DELIVERING BUSINESS ESSENTIALS TO NTA MEMBERS APRIL/MAY 2018

Connecting in Québec Québec’s National Shrines are part of the province’s allure for faith travelers PAGE 19

BLOWN AWAY BY ATLANTIC CITY PAGE 30

FEAST ON FIVE FOODIE DESTINATIONS PAGE 24

CHURROS AND MINSTRELS AND SHAKES ... OH, MY! PAGE 43

Ermitage Sainte-Antoine, one of Québec’s National Shrines 8.375x10.875_NTA_TdB.indd 1 2/7/18 8:26 AM April/May 2018 TIM CARL

A new take on street food: Each September, Napa Valley residents celebrate the California harvest by gathering for a meal and drinks around a 1,000-foot long table that is set up in the middle of Calistoga’s Lincoln Avenue. Turn to page 24 to read about five notable food and drink destinations.

Features Compass Faith in Québec: 34 Midwest U.S. ‘The perfect destination’ Follow the yellow brick road[s] With its five famous shrines Pioneers, presidents and … hair art? leading the way, the eastern Canadian province is a booming Hop on the covered wagon faith destination. What’s not to bike in Iowa? 19 Here’s to you, Waterloo West South Central U.S. 5 tasty destinations 38 A Texas six-step Patti Nickell takes a look at five top places where food tours, The Old West in western Arkansas culinary festivals, brewery visits Checking in with Cherokee Nation Tourism and other localized experiences allow travelers to get their fill. 41 Latin America 24 Peru’s preeminent archaeological sites

C2 PHOTOGRAPHY Seeking sustainable—and memorable— experiences in Brazil Blown away by Atlantic City Three times the fun in Colombia’s Golden Triangle Editor Bob Rouse visited a Cazenave Argentina offers customized Argentina destination he thought he Guanajuato is GuanaWOWto knew, but AC turned the tables on his perceptions—and rolled South Pacific out some wacky weather. 44 30 Safir Tours offers Australia for all Find Hawaiian hospitality with NTA-member hotels

NTAonline.com 1 NTA BOARD OF April/May 2018 | Volume 45, Issue 4 DIRECTORS

NTA President Executive Committee

Pam Inman [email protected] Chair J. Chris Babb Editorial The Group Tour Company [email protected] Editor in Chief Bob Rouse [email protected] Managing Editor Pat Henderson [email protected] Vice Chair Paul Larsen Writer Kendall Fletcher [email protected] Ed-Ventures Writer Gabe Webb [email protected] [email protected] Contributors Adam Hoette; Pam Inman, CTP; Bonnie Lippitt; The Signal Group; Michael Weinberg, CTP Secretary Dennis McDonnell Graphic Design Jeff Quire Alaska Coach Tours [email protected] Advertising Immediate Past Chair President, NTA Services Inc. Kami Risk [email protected] Jay Smith Senior Account Executive/Eastern U.S. & International Beth Engel [email protected] Sports Travel and Tours [email protected] Account Executive/Western U.S. Kelley Burchell [email protected] Account Executive/Central U.S. & Canada Bond Milburn [email protected] DMO Director Frances Manzitto Senior Manager, Marketing Ashley Fish [email protected] Visit Clarksville Billing Inquiries Mary Catherine Dorsett [email protected] [email protected] Tour Supplier Director Jim Magrath PLANNING AHEAD Delta Air Lines To view the 2018 editorial calendar, visit NTAonline.com/advertising. NTA members can [email protected] submit tour product information or editorial queries to [email protected]. And for advertising information, call +1.859.264.6559. Directors AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE OCTOBER ISSUE Jennifer Adu Wyoming Office of Tourism DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS [email protected] Coastal California New England Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Debra Asberry Great Lakes New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Women Traveling Together [email protected] Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, China and Vietnam Wisconsin India Dan Flores Southwest U.S. City Spotlight: Durango, Colorado Maverick Aviation Group Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas [email protected] SPECIAL COVERAGE Eastern Europe Travel Exchange ’18 (Milwaukee) Edita Krunic Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Select International Tours Guide: Theaters and Broadway Shows Slovenia [email protected] DEADLINES SPECIAL COVERAGE Cory Mace Space: Aug. 3 | Material: Aug. 13 Museums North Central Group – Hilton & Guide: Museums Marriott Hotels [email protected] DEADLINES Space: June 1 | Material: June 11 John McGlade Euro River Cruises [email protected]

Dave Nitkiewicz PUBLISHED BY NTA SERVICES, INC. Email: [email protected] Experience Grand Rapids [email protected] COURIER (USPS 602270, ISSN 0279-4489)(Vol. 45, Issue 4) published nine times a year by NTA Services, Inc., 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. Periodicals Postage Paid at Lexington, Kentucky, and Chase Poffenberger additional mailing offices. Subscription rate is $60 per year. Academic Travel Abroad POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Courier, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, KY 40509. [email protected] COURIER is the official licensed publication of NTA®, an international trade association of the packaged travel industry. Copyright© 2018, NTA Services, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any Jerry Varner way or by any means, electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of Courier, except for Making Memories Tours quotations made for purposes of a review. All inquiries should be sent to Courier magazine, 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350, Lexington, [email protected] KY 40509, +1.859.264.6559. Additional subscriptions can be purchased by calling +1.859.264.6559. Printed in USA.

Advertising rates are available upon request. For a change of address, subscribers may notify Courier Jim Warren, CTP directly, by email or letter. Anderson Vacations COURIER’S MISSION STATEMENT [email protected] Courier aims to facilitate member-to-member partnering by spotlighting member product and destinations worldwide, to provide information on current industry trends and issues, and to inform members about NTA initiatives, events and benefits. Director at Large Kelly Dean Courier is printed on 100% recyclable material Ottawa Tourism [email protected]

2 April/May 2018 April/May 2018

4 From the Editor 14 The Interview Four delegates from the Tourism Community 6 Voices of Leadership Cares with Jordan event share their 48 Meet the Members takeaways from the trip and the les- Milne Travel | Visit Tucson | sons they learned about the power Zermatt-Matterhorn Tourism | Business and possibilities of corporate social Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes 8 InBrief responsibility. Association Time for Tanzania 16 A surprising approach to better Canada’s record-setting tourism year 50 Introducing … customer experiences Let’s go to Charleston, y’all Visit Galena Country | The Logos Experiential marketing expert Adam Theatre | Marketing Manchester | 9 Relating to Government Hoette offers a perspective on how Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region Funding requests in the proposed the element of surprise can help travel 2019 United States federal budget companies build customer loyalty. 52 Community News could impact the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and the country’s ability to 17 NTA Working for You 54 New Members draw international visitors. Get the latest details on educational sessions at Contact ’18 in Charleston, 55 Ad Index/NTA Events Calendar 10 More to love in the great outdoors and check out three reasons why Learn how America’s National Trails you benefit by registering now for 56 AfterWords System and America’s Wild and Travel Exchange in Milwaukee this Michael Weinberg, CTP, shares how Scenic Rivers are celebrating their November. brownies and Broadway helped him 50th anniversaries in 2018. build relationships that are leading to 18 What’s On business for his four Chicago hotels, Follow your nose including the Palmer House Hilton. Fired up for fossils?

Courier has used images existing in the public domain or made available from sources including, but not limited to, Flickr and Wikimedia Commons under a Creative Commons Attribution Generic License. The full text of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License is available at bit.ly/1gDYjzM. Images used may have been altered by cropping or adjusted for contrast, saturation, size, color, clarity or otherwise digitally manipulated to meet design specifications. Courier’s use of Creative Commons and public domain images does not constitute or suggest the licensor’s explicit or implied endorsement of Courier, its content, staff, contributors, advertisers or any other use by Courier.

NTA members save up to 34%* on UPS® shipping services

The National Tour Association is proud to bring you valuable discounts on the products and services you need. Make the most out of your membership and take advantage of competitive rates available on UPS shipping services. Whether you need your documents or packages to arrive the next day or are looking for an affordable shipping option, UPS understands the importance of speed, reliability, and cost.

To save on your UPS shipments, simply:

Call: 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377) M-F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST Visit: savewithups.com/nta

*See savewithups.com/nta for specific services and discounts. All discounts apply to the effective UPS Standard List Rates at the time of shipment and shall be applied on a weekly basis, unless otherwise specified. UPS, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. and are used with the permission of the owner. All rights reserved. Official NTA Corporate Partner

NTAonline.com 3 FROM THE EDITOR

Where in the World is ?

Bob Rouse Editor in Chief 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350 Lexington, KY 40509 USA +1.859.264.6548 [email protected]

AFTER A LONG, COLD WINTER, I intend to take full advantage As a reward for a hefty hike to view The Monastery, a remarkable monument in Petra, Jordan, these delegates of spring. with Tourism Cares with Jordan broke out copies of Courier. My first stop is in Florida for spring break. I know it sounds Pictured from left are Reagan Stulbaum, Pam Inman, Bob cliché, but my youngest son plays college baseball, and I’ll be Rouse, Catherine Prather, Clayton Whitehead, Jay Smith, John cheering for him. If I know baseball, I expect the coach has Meyer, Kami Risk and Greg Takehara. scheduled a game for every waking minute of the trip. Thank goodness I will return to work in time to attend and those who traveled with me. I can’t say this event would Contact in mid-April. Say, I have not verified this, but I’ve have been as enjoyable in that remote warehouse—because heard that not all of you are joining us in Charleston. This the physical environs were absolutely spectacular—but I can can’t be true. Contact would be a fun and fulfilling event even say that what powers my memories of Jordan are humans. if it were held in a remote warehouse, but in Charleston, South And humanity translates. You’ve got people at your place, too, I Carolina? In springtime? Shut my mouth! (written in my best bet. And I hope you can not only put up with my ramblings about Southern drawl) I hope you can find a way to make this trip. Jordan, but also gather ideas and inspiration from them that Speaking of trips, I took a doozy. apply to your destination, to your organization … to your people. You’ve surely heard of Tourism Cares with Jordan and And how about these stories for ideas and inspiration? Pat the remarkable journey that 67 travel industry types took Henderson shares more from his recent trip to Mexico in des- together. In this issue, I’ve got a Jordan-related business tination coverage of Latin America (starting on page 41), along article on page 14, some photos from our adventures on page with top-notch product ideas in Arkansas, Oklahoma and 47 and a couple of pics on this page. I will write more on what Texas (page 38). we saw and experienced in the next issue of Courier. Kendall Fletcher takes us on a trip through the U.S. Midwest I want to guard against Jordan fatigue: inflicting too much states (page 34), and Gabe Webb reveals itinerary ideas in of my experience on those of you who didn’t go. South Pacific destinations (page 44). But let me say this about that: For me, the 10-day trip was Feature-wise, we’re loaded this month. Patti Nickell serves about people—those who populate the places we visited … up a fivesome of food-friendly destinations (page 24), and FTA Coordinator Kay Saffari gives her blessing to faith-filled sites in April/May Courier Destination Index Québec (page 19). And I’ve got details (lots) of another doozy of a trip I took: The City Spotlight, page 30, shines on Atlantic City. Alabama 26–27 Iowa 36 And finally, don’t miss an informative essay—with a killer Argentina 42 Kansas 34 photo—by Michael Weinberg, CTP, on page 56. Arizona 27–28, 48 Mexico 43 Arkansas 40 Missouri 35 Read on, Atlantic City 30–32 Nebraska 35 Australia 44 North Carolina 26 Brazil 41 Oklahoma 40 California 24–25 Peru 41 Colombia 42 Québec 20–23 Colorado 18 South Carolina 50 Costa Rica 18 South Dakota 49 On the cover: Québec’s National Shrines, England 50 Spain 28 including Ermitage Sainte-Antoine Germany 50 Switzerland 49 (pictured), are part of the reason Hawaii 44 Texas 38–39 that the province is a popular spot Illinois 50 for faith-based tours. Photo: Ermitage Sainte-Antoine

4 April/May 2018 CHARTER NEW POSSIBILITIES Sign up your group for a bus charter today

BONUS $30 CASINO INCENTIVE PACKAGE* Monday – Friday Package consists of: One $15 Meal/Retail Credit and One $15 Free Bet Coupon Meal/Retail credit can be used in any restaurant, a full buffet or shop at Mohegan Sun. BONUS $25 CASINO INCENTIVE PACKAGE* Saturday – Sunday Package consists of: One $15 Meal/Retail Credit and One $10 Free Bet Coupon Meal/Retail credit can be used in any restaurant, a full buffet or shop at Mohegan Sun. Group Leaders receive an additional $30 PACKAGE

Contact Stephen Olender at 860.862.8988 or [email protected] or visit mohegansun.com/charter to get your next outing on the road today.

*In order to receive package, bus group must stay for a minimum of 5 hours. Packages and offer subject to change without notice. mohegansun.com Pam Inman President 101 Prosperous Place, Suite 350 Lexington, KY 40509 USA +1.859.264.6551 [email protected]

EXPERIENTIAL AND SUSTAINABLE. Those are not only trends in tourism; they are also important ways to bridge the gap between cultures. Running an association doesn’t provide me with the same level of expertise as what you exhibit in managing and plan- ning tour programs that explore new and exciting destina- tions—or in welcoming groups as a supplier or DMO. But I do

travel a lot, mostly to meetings, and often those meetings are I’m stirring the pot at Beit Sitti, a cook-and-dine establishment held in very nice places. in Amman that employs neighborhood women and imparts As a member of the Tourism Cares board of directors, repre- appreciation for Jordanian dishes. senting NTA and FTA, I was part of a delegation of more than 60 people who witnessed the launch of the Meaningful Map Contact in Charleston, where you can build relationships and of Jordan, which includes 12 incredible examples of experien- expand your programs. It’s not too late to register for this pre- tial and sustainable tourism. mier tour operator retreat, which starts April 18. Visiting the social enterprise sites that are part of this new In addition to Contact seminars that will help you improve initiative made a huge impact on me. It is awe-inspiring to see your ROI, we’ll also have themed educational outings—cov- the work that the Queen Noor Foundation has done to empower ering Agritourism, Historic/Heritage and Faith—that allow local women and to enable them to use their talents to earn you to sightsee and gain product insight at the same time. an income and provide for their families. Of course, our visits In addition, our new DMO Network and Supplier Network— enabled us to buy handmade souvenirs of jewelry, rugs and groups not offered anywhere else—will both meet to discuss mosaics. I even learned a thing or two myself (see photo above). timely issues that are pertinent to members. We also savored the beautiful sites and flavors of Jordan—and On the advocacy front, we continue to have discussions sleeping in a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert was cer- with the U.S. Department of Interior and the National Park tainly a highlight (see photo below). What stands out in my mind Service to share our concerns about their proposals for is the hospitality of the Jordanians; I always felt safe there. Commercial Use Authorizations and fee increases. We are also The experiences pursuing other avenues, such as requesting a meeting with I had with Tourism the Office of Management and Budget and getting behind leg- Cares and the Jordan islation that would require a federal rulemaking process for Tourism Board put increasing fees and for revising the CUA process. travel in perspective. At the time of this writing, the NPS is still waiting for a Certainly, though, compilation of the more than 100,000 comments the agency fantastic journeys received regarding proposed pricing changes. And we have aren’t limited to submitted names of members of our industry to represent Jordan. All NTA you on the National Parks Advisory Board; we’re waiting to members provide hear back from NPS about their selections. memorable experi- Be sure to note that registration has opened for Travel ences that maximize Exchange in Milwaukee. Our team and Visit Milwaukee are the expertise of planning some exciting events for us. qualified masters of I hope to see you all at Contact. Springtime in Charleston is travel and tourism. awesome!

BOB ROUSE You’ll have the Morning at our Bedouin camp in opportunity to meet Wadi Rum many of them at

6 April/May 2018 RESORTS CASINO HOTEL IN ATLANTIC CITY

Enjoy the hottest slots and table games, Atlantic City’s largest standard rooms, exceptional dining, retail shopping and great entertainment! The fun is here at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City! ARRIVE FOR Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville entertainment complex featuring a year- THE DAY OR AN round LandShark Bar & Grill on the beach, new Margaritaville restaurant just off the casino floor, themed Margaritaville slot area, retail shops & more. OVERNIGHT STAY! CONTACT MEG LEWIS: 609-340-7715

YOU CAN ALSO EARN & USE YOUR COMP DOLLARS AT

/ResortsAC ResortsAC.com 1.800.772.9000 Bet with your head not over it. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER. BUSINESS

InBrief NEWS AND NOTES ABOUT YOUR ASSOCIATION AND THE INDUSTRY COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON Time for Tanzania This June, NTA tour operators will have an opportunity to From June 1–9, the trip will take participating members to experience the wild side of Tanzania as part of the Tanzania a pair of UNESCO World Heritage sites: Serengeti National Safari product development trip. This adventure will provide Park in Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. participating operators with an extraordinary opportunity to They’ll also interact with the locals in Arusha and visit Lake experience firsthand Tanzania’s rich culture while networking Manyara. Along the way, they will see the region’s abundant with area suppliers. wildlife, which includes everything from elephants and lions to rhinos and flamingos. The trip, which is being organized by NTA-member Pongo Safaris & Tours in conjunction with other tour companies in Tanzania, is open to NTA tour operator members (one per company). The cost to participate is $1,745 (does not include airfare), and applicants must be approved by the hosting partners. Space is extremely limited, and registrations must be submitted by May 1 to NTA’s Dawn Pettus at dawn.pettus@ ntastaff.com. For more information, go to ntaonline.com/events/

PONGO SAFARIS & TOURS PONGO SAFARIS product-development-trips/tanzania-safari.

Canada’s record-setting tourism year 2017 was a big year for Canada. During its 150th anniversary celebration last year, the North American nation welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors. According to preliminary data from Statistics Canada, 20.8 million visitors helped the country surpass the record set in 2002 by almost a million. “This is great news for our tourism sector, and the more than 1.8 million jobs that depend on it,” says the Honourable Bardish Chagger, minister of small business and tourism and leader of the gov- ernment in the House of Commons. Since the previous mark was set in 2002, the composition of tourists to Canada has changed sig- nificantly. Overnight arrivals in 2017 from countries other than the United States totaled an all-time high of over 31 percent, up 19 percent from 2002. Canada welcomed 14.3 million visitors from the U.S. last year, which was a 3 percent year-over-year increase.

Let’s go to Charleston, y’all NTA members will gather April 18–21 for What: Contact ’18 Who: NTA tour operators and you need to tackle to move travel planners. Tour suppli- your business forward. The Contact ’18 in Charleston to partner, learn When: April 18–21 and explore coastal South Carolina. Tour ers and DMOs can attend event’s intimate setting makes operators and travel planners can visit Where: Embassy Suites this buyer-exclusive retreat it easy for suppliers and DMOs NTAonline.com/contact to sign up. Tour by Hilton Charleston through sponsorship. to connect with key tour Airport Hotel operator decision-makers. suppliers, DMOs and associates can attend Why: Contact’s practical, by sponsoring; contact Laura McFadden Web: NTAonline.com/ hands-on education encom- Registration: Only $245 at at [email protected] to find out more. contact; #NTAcontact passes the topics and issues NTAonline.com/contact

8 April/May 2018 BUSINESS RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

INSIGHTS ON U.S. LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AND INDUSTRY TOPICS

The Visa Waiver Program opens doors, enhances safety

THE NATIONAL TOUR ASSOCIATION information-sharing systems among NTA aims to ensure that all federally has long been a strong supporter of the participating countries’ intelligence and funded facets of travel and tourism have Visa Waiver Program, a traveler-screen- law enforcement agencies. sufficient resources to be able to fully ing system administered by the U.S. This includes screening all travelers function. NTA will continue to support Department of Homeland Security in against INTERPOL databases and an the Visa Waiver Program and believes it consultation with the U.S. Department increased utilization of fraud-resistant will not only bolster tourism, but also of State. e-passports containing biometric infor- strengthen the nation’s security. The program allows for recipro- mation. These facets of the VWP make Furthermore, as information is shared cal visa-free travel for up to 90 days the country safer while also keeping its between the U.S. and the VWP’s partner- between participating partner countries. doors open to international visitors. ing countries, the relationship between It is only applicable to specific coun- When President Donald Trump the countries is strengthened. tries where the United States has in- released his budget proposal for Fiscal NTA understands that President depth security and information-sharing Year 2019 in mid-February, it included Trump and the administration place the agreements, and a coordination of law a travel-related provision that would highest priority on maintaining secure enforcement. divert some funds from ESTA. Currently, travel systems, and the association The VWP is funded through funding flows from ESTA to the Visa remains poised to work with the admin- the Electronic System for Travel Waiver Program, the Corporation for istration and Congress to maintain the Authorization program, which was Travel Promotion (known as Brand USA) highest levels of safety. congressionally mandated by the 9/11 and other recipient programs. But NTA believes Congress should Commission Act of 2007. ESTA is an The Trump budget proposal would ensure that any reforms to the Visa automated system that determines reallocate some funds from Brand USA Waiver Program be crafted carefully and the eligibility of international travelers and use them to support U.S. Customs with the numerous security advantages wishing to enter the U.S. and charges and Border Protection passenger inspec- in mind. NTA continues to engage with successful applicants a $10 fee. tion activities. Last year, when the lawmakers and to monitor movement The VWP provides great value to administration proposed a similar diver- on this issue. the United States’ long-standing goals sion of ESTA funds, the travel and tour- of attracting both business and lei- ism industry strongly opposed this. NTA Signal Group is a Washington, D.C., sure travelers, while also prioritizing and other tourism leaders are already lobbying firm retained by NTA to advise national security. Through this program, deeply engaged with legislative allies members about travel-related issues the United States benefits from better and friends of the industry on this issue. and legislation.

VWP partner countries Citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:

Andorra Denmark Iceland Lithuania Portugal Switzerland Australia Estonia Ireland Luxembourg San Marino Taiwan Austria Finland Italy Malta Singapore United Kingdom Belgium France Japan Monaco Slovakia Brunei Germany Republic of Korea Netherlands Slovenia Chile Greece Latvia New Zealand Spain Czech Republic Hungary Liechtenstein Norway Sweden

For more information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website: cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver- program.

NTAonline.com 9 BUSINESS A pair of golden anniversaries 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of two federal acts that preserve outdoor recreation

BY BONNIE LIPPITT

America’s National Trails System BEFORE THERE of today are those who like to walk, National Historic Trails. While both WERE RAILROADS, hike, ride horseback or bicycle. For them types of trails must be designated by highways and we must have trails as well as highways congress, the secretaries of the Interior airplanes to help … I am requesting, therefore, that the and Agriculture have the authority to people get from Secretary of the Interior work with his designate National Recreation Trails. one place to colleagues in the federal government This year, the U.S. National Trails another, travel- and with state and local leaders and rec- System celebrates its 50th anniversary. ers relied on trails, whether by foot, ommend to me a cooperative program Today there are 11 National Scenic Trails, horseback or wagon. In the early 20th to encourage a national system of trails.” 19 National Historic Trails and more century, outdoor enthusiasts began con- Three years later, on Oct. 2, 1968, the than 1,300 National Recreation Trails, structing footpaths to provide access president signed into law the National all comprising a network of more than to scenic mountainous terrain. These Trails System Act, creating a system 60,000 miles of trail across all 50 states; trails helped the public pursue healthy of national scenic, recreation, and con- Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico. outdoor recreation while enjoying spec- necting and side trails. The act desig- Nationally, administration for these tacular natural beauty. nated the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails is coordinated by the National In 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson Trails as the first two National Scenic Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service delivered a speech titled “Conservation Trails. A decade later, President Jimmy and the Bureau of Land Management. and Preservation of Natural Beauty.” In it Carter signed an amendment to the However, land ownership may be he stated, “The forgotten outdoorsmen act, creating an additional category: in public or private hands, and

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, California ALL PHOTOS: BOB WICK, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

10 April/May 2018 Emigrant National Historic Trail, Wyoming Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, New Mexico management of a particular route is Looking to travel in the footsteps of to learn more about the National Trail often handled through a variety of pub- explorers and settlers—or to experience System and locate a trail near your lic and private agencies and partners at firsthand an important event in our destination. Follow the links to the the federal, state and local levels. nation’s history? Many highways and managing agency for specific informa- In honor of this anniversary year, trail byways follow the routes of the National tion on features, seasons, access, visi- managers are inviting you and your cli- Historic Trails, which offer visitor cen- tor facilities and authorized commer- ents to #FindYourTrail along one of our ters, viewpoints and remnant sites and cial services. Then visit recreation.gov National Scenic, Historic or Recreation allow you to explore with the Lewis and to plan your trip, make campground Trails. If you would like a taste of what Clark Expedition, emigrate west along reservations and explore other oppor- it must be like to tackle a long-distance the California and Oregon trails, ride tunities available in the area. National Scenic Trail, you can complete with the Pony Express or relive the more For more information on the anniver- a short section on a day hike by yourself difficult but compelling stories of our sary and related events, visit trails50. or with a guide. Many of these trails past along the Trail of Tears or the path org. Help us celebrate this important cross roads that provide trailhead park- from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. anniversary and ensure the future of ing and access. Ready to hit the trail? Visit nps.gov/nrt the incredible legacy we inherited.

America’s Wild and Scenic Rivers As noted journal- ist Charles Kuralt once said, “We are a nation rich in riv- ers.” By the 1950s, however, many of those rivers had been irreversibly altered to accom- modate the growing needs of modern civilization, including demands for hydropower, flood control, water supply and irrigation. In the 1965 speech noted above, President Johnson gave a call to action: “The time has also come to identify and preserve free-flowing stretches of our great rivers before growth and develop- Snake Wild and Scenic River, Idaho ment make the beauty of the unspoiled waterway a memory.” president signed into law the Wild maintained as free flowing. Eight rivers At the same time he authorized and Scenic Rivers Act, creating a received designation as part of the act’s the National Trails System Act, the national system of rivers to be forever passage, including Idaho’s Clearwater

NTAonline.com 11 BUSINESS

Arkansas Recreational River, Colorado and Salmon rivers, Missouri’s Eleven designated rivers, including recreation, Imagine fishing Oregon’s internation- Point River, California’s Feather River, fish, wildlife, history, culture, scenery ally renowned McKenzie River from a Oregon’s Rogue River, Wisconsin’s and geology. These rivers are deeply famous drift boat with expert help from Wolf River, Minnesota’s St. Croix River entwined with the exploration, settle- a long-time local. Some instead seek a and the Rio Grande River, which flows ment and history of the United States. quiet riverside picnic, a hike or a bike through both New Mexico and Texas. At the same time, they are an important ride along a river corridor trail, and oth- This year, our National Wild and part of our conservation legacy for pres- ers want a chance to birdwatch or do Scenic River System joins the trails ent and future generations. some plein air painting. act in celebrating its 50th anniversary. In honor of this anniversary year, How do you get started? Visit rivers. Today there are 13,000 miles along river managers invite tour operators and gov to learn more about the National 208 rivers—across 40 states and ter- travelers to #MakeYourSplash by expe- Wild and Scenic River System and locate ritories—with special designation that riencing one of the wild and scenic riv- a river near you. Follow the links to the protects their wild and scenic character. ers. For those who would like to float or managing agency for specific information The numbers sound impressive, but it is paddle down a river, there are numerous on features, seasons, access, visitor facili- important to note that this constitutes authorized companies that offer half-, ties and authorized commercial services. just slightly more than one-third of one full- and multi-day options depending Then visit recreation.gov to plan your percent of all the nation’s rivers. Many on the river and its flow. “Soft” trips are trip, make campground reservations more miles of waterways remain eli- suitable for a family adventure, while and explore other opportunities avail- gible for this special designation. others offer challenging whitewater able in the area. You can celebrate this These rivers named above are experiences, and still others provide the important anniversary while you help managed by four federal agencies: thrill of a jet boat ride. keep these wild and scenic rivers free- the National Park Service, the U.S. Many visitors seek the world-class flowing forever! Forest Service, the Bureau of Land fly-fishing opportunities wild and Management and the U.S. Fish and scenic rivers provide. Experienced Bonnie Lippitt is program manager for Wildlife Service. River managers are anglers can seek their own special fish- interpretation, tourism and visitor ser- charged with protecting river flow, ing hole along the bank, while those vices for the U.S. Forest Service and the water quality and the remarkably out- new to the sport can hire the services U.S. Bureau of Land Management in the standing values associated with the of an authorized outfitter and guide. Pacific Northwest region.

12 April/May 2018 take your next tour somewhere new

What tour doesn’t need to stop somewhere new to ensure an experience that’s fascinating, fresh and fun? In Oklahoma City there’s something new to discover on every corner. From our gleaming new downtown to the Old West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. From a new appreciation of our spirit at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to being welcomed like a new friend everywhere you go. Add us to your next itinerary and you’ll soon discover that around here, things are more than just new. They’re OKC new.

NTAonline.com 13

UNI_17-OKC-029 Group Tour_Courier.indd 2 8/4/17 3:20 PM BUSINESS

The Interview INDUSTRY INSIGHTS FROM NTA MEMBERS AND COLLEAGUES Tourism really cares in Jordan BY BOB ROUSE

As part of the Tourism Cares with Jordan delegation, some five dozen tourism professionals representing tour companies, associations, agencies, destinations, suppliers and media outlets discovered the country’s natural and historical wonders. The group also explored—through site visits, panel discussions and workshops—the power and possibilities of corporate social responsibility within travel. Reagan Stulbaum Four of the delegates shared their thoughts with Courier about TRACEY GROSSBACH CSR in the midst of the Feb. 23–28 trip. Each brought a different level Stulbaum: As a DMO, I know that people of experience and focus with them to Jordan, and each had specific are interested in local, authentic expe- takeaways. And everyone connected with the event contributed their riences, and there’s so much of that personal insights and interpretations, which produced an even greater throughout all five boroughs of New York learning experience for all participants. City. We can give people the new New York every time they come to visit. So Nan Marchand; U.S. Travel Association, senior vice president much of what we show off is magical, Keith Sproule; Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, executive director but there’s something so very integral to Reagan Stulbaum; NYC & Company, vice president, membership, borough New York that we want people to experi- ence as well. That’s what we’re made of. relations and Tourism Ready

Javier Valdez; Myght, founder

Courier: The idea of tourism-related Valdez: It’s a responsibility. Companies organizations working to make a posi- have the resources to make a difference. tive impact on local communities is not And when they empower their com- new. And there are many examples of munities, they empower themselves. good works, community engagement, Sustainability isn’t just about the envi- social enterprise and sustainability. But ronment; it’s also about the people. why? Why should organizations make the effort? Sproule: In so many instances, our indus- Nan Marchand try is associated with pillaging a destina- tion. All over the world, ancestral stewards Marchand: Making an impact in the have not benefited from more arrivals. communities a business serves or is And they are the real hosts. Our industry located in is becoming an integral part has not always reflected the best we can of an organization’s mission and culture. be when it comes to building bridges. Why? Because these values are impor- For example, in Namibia, those who tant to an organization’s bottom line. live on the edge of civilization live with human-wildlife conflict. If we can’t figure Courier: What did you learn in Jordan out a way not to fence that wildlife in—or that added to your understanding of if we’re driving past communities that our industry’s social responsibility? struggle to educate and feed their children, there’s no equity. And no sustainability. Marchand: CSR was so tangible in Our goal should be to improve the lives Jordan. We saw it in action. It was more and livelihoods of the communities where than just part of an organization’s mis- we travel. And not just the employees of sion statement. To paraphrase Ms. Muna Javier Valdez tourism, but everyone in the community. Haddad, managing director of Baraka in

14 April/May 2018 Keith Sproule visits a Jordan Bike Enterprises site south of the Dead Sea. This Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy project provides bikes to several communities in Jordan, and residents use the bikes for transportation to jobs and to establish guided tour businesses.

Jordan, the benefits of an organization challenges he faces in building capacity tremendous diversity of international need to go into the right hands. within the local community reminded operators and GMs and CEOs. Our ses- me of what I deal with in working with sions helped Jordanians figure out how Valdez: Sustainability can be tailored to the boroughs. Bringing more tourists— to deliver what buyers want. And they different types of travel and people. You and tourism business—into an existing offer the Jordan Trail and The Meaningful don’t have to go the homestay route. community or neighborhood becomes a Travel Map of Jordan. They’re serious. Someone who prefers luxury travel and real balancing act. Whether it’s ancient wants to stay in a resort can also make Jordan or big-city America, we’re alike Meaningful Map a positive impact—even if you empower in so many ways. Tourism Cares with Jordan only one person. delegates joined a Feb. 25 news Sproule: The promise of tourism is still conference announcing the creation Stulbaum: You wouldn’t think there alive and can be realized. During our of The Meaningful Travel Map of are a lot of similarities between Petra time in Jordan, all the players have been Jordan, which promotes 12 social and New York City. But talking with involved: government representatives, enterprises that provide jobs to locals and give tourists hands-on Suleiman (Dr. Suleiman Farajat, com- private sector, agencies, community cultural insight. To learn more, go to missioner for the Petra Archaeological leaders, nonprofits and NGOs (non- bit.ly/2FmWYPI. Park and tourism affairs) about the governmental organizations). We had a CATHERINE PRATHER CATHERINE

Left: At Mosaic House near Madaba, Jordan, local residents (many of them with physical handicaps) are employed as craftspeople. Center: NTA Chair Chris Babb at the Bani Hamida Women’s Weaving Project. Right: Delegates dined on local fare at the Beit Khayrat Souf. The co-op near Jerash also creates jobs for women who grow, package and sell local products, such as jams, spices and oils.

NTAonline.com 15 BUSINESS A surprising approach to better customer experience BY ADAM HOETTE

IN THE QUEST for any other part of it—a true win-win. building a better Companies in the travel and tour experience for your business can utilize this knowledge to guests, why not provide more remarkable travel experi- use some strategic ences for guests, while at the same time surprise? creating differentiation for their brands. With so much While customers relish the opportunity competition for to be immersed in their travels, much customers in the of what they encounter is, frankly, travel space, organizations are con- expected. When a company is able stantly seeking unique ways of creat- to disrupt those expectations—even ing meaningful bonds with those they slightly—it can create special moments serve. This challenge can often feel like that customers will remember. a daunting and expensive one, but it The possibilities for companies to doesn’t have to be. Providing customers use this approach are endless. Maybe with something valuable—when they a hotel offers free laundry service for least expect it—is an extraordinarily guests, or a tour operator provides cold simple and low-cost path to crafting bottled water and soft drinks at no great customer experiences. charge. The beauty is that there is no Engage your employees and custom- We’ve all felt the effects of surprise. map. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Rather, it’s ers to get a better sense of how and While we often think about them in the limited only by the creativity of those where this strategy would be of benefit. context of our personal lives—birthday involved. It can, and should, look a little Front line employees often have the parties, for example—man­ y of us have different for every organization. most significant amount of personal also been the recipients of surprises in our engagement with customers and there- role as consumers, from ticket upgrades to When a company fore are a tremendous resource in both complimentary gifts and more. Regardless the planning and implementation of of where they come from, they almost is able to such a program. always leave an impression. The goal is to drive more satisfying Surprises, even small ones, resonate. disrupt travelers’ encounters with guests, something that They also have a profound effect on the expectations—even can only be achieved when the cus- human brain. Research has shown that tomer is at the center of the process. If surprises activate neural reward centers, slightly—it can create this exercise begins to be seen as too providing recipients with, literally, a rush planned and methodical—lacking a of delight. One study even found that the special moments personal connection—customers will unexpected nature of an event may prove that customers will notice. So strive for sincerity. more memorable than the event itself. As Surprise is a valuable tool that travel that study’s co-author put it, “If you get a remember. brands can utilize to create more present for your birthday, that’s nice. But memorable moments for guests. It is a you’ll like it a lot more if you get a pres- When thinking about how to imple- low-risk means for providing an even ent and it’s not your birthday.” ment strategic surprise in your offer- better and more unique travel experi- This presents organizations with a ings, start by asking a few questions: ence. Implement one of your own and big opportunity for creating impact with • Is there a theme in the feedback you may just find that—surprise!—y­ our customers. Supplementing a brand’s you receive from customers? guests are more satisfied than ever. services with a few unexpected offer- • Are there any lulls in the journey of ings gives customers a positive psycho- your customers (literally and figu- Adam Hoette is the founder of Cerulean logical boost. It puts them in a better ratively) that could benefit from a Insights, an experiential marketing mood. From a business perspective, it’s pop of surprise? company. Reach out to him at adam@ pure value creation, adding to the over- • What are the moments that would cerulean-insights.com or go to cerulean- all experience without taking away from be a natural fit for this? insights.com.

16 April/May 2018 NTA WORKING FOR YOU Let’s connect Contact speakers focus on making meaningful connections in a digital world

One of the most popular components of Contact is its educa- says she “comes back to the tion program, which is tailored for a variety of roles in the office refreshed and flowing packaged travel industry. A featured seminar topic at this with new ideas” after attend- popular NTA buyer retreat that relates to everyone—from a ing NTA’s buyer retreat. first-year sales director to a longtime company president—is Perhaps no place can get the creative juices flowing creating and maintaining valuable relationships in today’s quite like Charleston, the coastal gem of South Carolina’s fast-paced, need-it-now environment. Lowcountry. Join us there April 18–21 for Contact ’18 and “Contact offers excellent speakers who challenge attendees learn a thing or two; you can register today at NTAonline with new information and techniques,” says Misha Jovanovic, .com/contact. a San Diego-based tour operator and annual Contact goer. Here are profiles of two of the educational sessions you And Stephanie Dilling of British Columbia’s Wells Gray Tours can enjoy at Contact ’18:

In Real Life: Connecting with People in a Public Relations in the Digital Age Gadget-crazed World Friday, April 20, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 3:15–4:15 p.m. Speakers: Gina Stouffer, Lou Hammond Group Speaker: Thom Singer, The Conference Catalyst Melanie Mathos, Lou Hammond Group There’s more to creating business relationships than a like, Join Gina and Melanie from Lou Hammond Group, a New link, share and follow. While popular social media tools can York-based, award-winning marketing communications make it seem like we have countless friends and business firm, as they talk about how the internet has changed the associates, it’s real human engagement that leads to oppor- travel public relations industry. They’ll explore the tradi- tunity. This keynote session will bring your focus back to tional media landscape and discuss whether communica- the basics on establishing connections that will lead to tion tools like press releases are still important, as well as more success in business, sales and life. Make this event a outline the importance of working with bloggers and social human laboratory for connecting. media influencers. You’ll leave with tools for creating con- tent that drives awareness and business.

Todd’s trifecta Convention guru gives 3 tips to maximize your Travel Exchange experience

Todd Probus, NTA’s member solutions manager, is the authority on appointment scheduling and helping you make the most of your business meetings at Travel Exchange ’18. With registration now open for our Nov. 4–8 event in Milwaukee, Todd pro- vides three things you should do to take full advantage of your business potential in Brew City USA. Visit NTAonline.com/ convention to register and learn more.

Register early Update your profile More is better 1 Having an earlier registration date 2 Your NTA Online profile is what 3 The more appointment requests is a key factor in helping you receive potential partners see when they’re you make, the higher the number of better-matched appointments. You can determining who to add to their prescheduled appointments you’re still get a quality schedule later—and request list, so be sure that your pro- likely to get. So try and make the pick up more appointments on-site file is as accurate and informative as maximum number of requests. For tour with our open floor—but the date you possible. Remember that you can add operators, the max is 40 DMOs and 80 register determines the order in which social media links, photos and a logo to suppliers, while DMOs and suppliers your schedule is created. Being at the your profile. should request the 60 tour operator front of the line positions you better to maximum. get the appointments you want.

Having an earlier registration date is a key factor in helping you receive better- matched appointments.

What: Travel Exchange ’18 | Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin | When: Nov. 4–8 Who: Tour operators, travel planners, tour suppliers, DMOs and associates Register: NTAonline.com/convention; early-bird rates until June 12

NTAonline.com 17 EVENTS, EXPERIENCES, EXHIBITS, ETC.

COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON

Keel-billed toucan Resplendent quetzal Scarlet macaw Follow your nose Costa Rica has carved a reputation as an outdoor lover’s paradise. The Central American nation, known as the birthplace of canopy tours/zip lining, is also a top destination for birdwatchers. Visitors can see more than 900 species across the country at top birding spots, including the following five, which are part of a 13-day birdwatching tour offered by NTA tour operator member Costa Rica Travel Excellence.

Maquenque Eco Preserve San Gerardo de Dota Selva Bananito Reserve Selva Verde Rainforest Turrialba and Irazu The preserve is home to The only spot in Costa An early morning Lodge and Reserve volcanoes The higher more than 400 species, Rica listed in “50 Places walk with one of Selva This site is part of the altitudes in this area including scarlet macaws, to Go Birding Before You Bananito’s experts takes recently created Costa allow visitors to see a the endangered great Die,” San Gerardo has birders to see orioles, Rican Bird Route, a different species, ranging green macaws, toucans more than 170 species, kingfishers, toucans, group of 12 sites in from the flame-throated and a number of migra- including many that are trogons and many other the San Juan-La Selva warbler to volcano jun- tory birds. endemic to the zone near species. Biological Corridor. cos and timberline wrens. the cloud forest. bit.ly/2FvBGDC

For more information, contact Costa Rica Travel Excellence’s Carlos Blanco at [email protected] or go to travelexcellence.com.

Fired up for fossils? Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in central Colorado millions of years. is one of the state’s top archaeological sites. Located 35 miles At the visitor center, groups can learn more about the role west of Colorado Springs, the 6,000-acre park includes a wide the nearby Thirtynine Mile volcanic field played in helping , CC FLICKR/RYANACANDEE: bit.ly/2Hleg0c , CC FLICKR/RYANACANDEE: array of well-preserved plant and insect fossils that date back the area become a major fossil repository. They can see the 14-minute movie, “Shadows of the Past,” and view hands-on exhibits and fossil displays. A number of ranger-led activities are available, including the popular night sky programs. Offered monthly, these ses- sions start with a 30-minute presentation and then partici- pants have 90 minutes for telescope use and stargazing. From the park, it is possible to see the Milky Way, other galaxies, bit.ly/2HoySou , CC FLICKR/TIM SACKTON: planets, comets, star clusters and more. The monument also is home to North America’s largest col- lection of petrified redwood stumps. Several of the massive redwood stumps are behind the visitor center, while short

bit.ly/2tARDTI loop trails lead to others. Additional nature walks on the park’s 14 miles of trails wind through pine-covered hills that are home to Douglas fir and aspen trees. The 3.8-mile Hornbek Wildlife Loop takes hikers through meadows and past Hornbek Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CC FLICKR/NPS-CASSI KNIGHT: CC FLICKR/NPS-CASSI KNIGHT: To learn more, call +1.719.748.3253 or go to nps.gov/flfo. CC FLICKR/ANDY MORFFEW: FROM LEFT: TOP ROW,

18 April/May 2018 Faith in Québec: ‘The perfect destination’

BY KAY SAFFARI COORDINATOR, FAITH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

QUÉBEC, ONE OF 13 Canadian provinces Ermitage Sainte-Antoine and territories, offers a virtual trea- sure trove of options for the religious traveler, from its collection of famous shrines to the breathtaking beauty of its pristine natural landscapes that encour- age tranquility and meditation. Québec also offers a taste of Europe on this side of the pond, thanks to its French- speaking population, its food, history, culture and art. When you plan a trip to Québec, you get it all! Valerie Massalaz of Voyages Inter- Missions describes Québec as the per- fect destination for faith travelers. “For the religious traveler, Québec is where the Christian faith took root in North America, and it offers a rich Catholic heritage,” explains Massalaz. “When the French settlers arrived here, they came ST-ANTOINE.ORG with priests, nuns and missionaries who spread their Catholic faith via the great in North America, Pope Francis opened popular, but the most requested of their waterways and rivers of the region.” a Holy Door at the Notre-Dame de regularly offered tours is the nine-day In 2014 Québec celebrated the 350th Québec Basilica-Cathedral, one of only journey that covers all the major points anniversary of the first Catholic par- seven Holy Doors in the world and the of interest in the Québec province, includ- ish in North America’s first diocese. only one in North America. ing Ermitage Sainte-Antoine. This shrine The Québec diocese was once the larg- Notre-Dame de Québec is one of five is about 250 miles north of Québec City est in the world, extending down the famous shrines in Québec province vis- and requires staying at least two nights. Mississippi River all the way to New ited by thousands of pilgrims annually. Says Massalaz, “This is the ideal place to Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico. To com- These shrines offer a glimpse into the connect with the sacredness of nature to memorate this anniversary and to rec- history of the Catholic faith in Canada understand the true meaning of Pope Francis’ ognize the origin of the Catholic Church while also providing the faith traveler call to action regarding the environment.” with the opportunity to observe and At the shrine, you can hike in the pristine participate in religious services at any of environs, take part in workshops about the these locations. Two of the shrines offer local fauna and flora, and revitalize yourself more than your typical church experi- in harmony with nature. ence, with Saint Joseph’s Oratory of In the summer of 2018, Ermitage Mount Royal offering stunning views of Sainte-Antoine will begin offering a mul- Montréal and Ermitage Sainte-Antoine timedia show that will reflect spirituality, located remotely in the midst of pristine Franciscan values and the natural beauty natural surroundings. and history of the site. According to the shrine’s rector, Father France Salesse, this Popular tours and innovative show will combine sacredness new offerings for 2018 and the environment in order to help Massalaz explains that Voyages Inter- viewers and pilgrims reach God via nature Hiking at Ermitage Sainte-Antoine

ERMITAGE SAINTE-ANTOINE ERMITAGE Missions’ custom tours are always and experience beauty in a new form.

NTAonline.com 19 One of the highlights-Brian from of my life... Tennessee bit.ly/2FkE6ko CC FLICKR/JOHN COOK: bit.ly/2oYea7x

“... The Billy Graham Library was very inspirational and encouraging. It was on my bucket list.” CC FLICKR/JOHN KARWOSKI: JEAN-FRANÇOIS FRENETTE Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral Bring your group to Charlotte, N.C., and

More than a get all the advantages of the European must-see is Québec City, founded in discover what God can do through an ordinary religious destination culture without the long overseas flight 1608 and the only walled city in North life surrendered to Him. Walk in the shoes of Do you want to visit a French-speaking or exhausting jetlag,” says Massalaz. “We America north of Mexico. It is a UNESCO city with a European feel? No need to are also a very affordable destination!” World Heritage site that surrounds a farm boy who became pastor to presidents board an overseas flight to France when In addition, she points to other you with old-world charm as you stroll and shared God’s love with millions. Admission you can take a quick trip to Montréal Québec offerings: through the romantic Petit Champlain is free, and exhibits are state-of-the-art. The or Québec City and enjoy the eclectic district, a quaint neighborhood filled architecture, boutiques and variety of History and art You can travel back to with unique boutiques and bistros. experience is unforgettable. food offerings that make these cities the 17th century and walk the cobbled For a unique art experience, visit the “Come and see what God has done.” —Psalm 66:5, ESV unique. Travel to Québec is especially streets of Old Montréal, admire works of Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and convenient for visitors from the U.S. art, see the stained glass of the Gothic Museum, a family-owned business “Montréal is only a six-hour drive from Revival architecture and visit the Notre located just 15 minutes from Québec New York City, or a two-hour flight from Dame Basilica, which tells the story City. Based on repoussé, the art of metal Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org • 704-401-3200 Chicago. By visiting us in Québec, you of the founders of the city. Another embossing, this studio and museum Reservations required for groups of 10 or more; email [email protected] ©2017 BGEA or call 704-401-3270. • 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 20 April/May 2018 One of the highlights-Brian from of my life... Tennessee

“... The Billy Graham Library was very inspirational and encouraging. It was on my bucket list.” Bring your group to Charlotte, N.C., and discover what God can do through an ordinary life surrendered to Him. Walk in the shoes of a farm boy who became pastor to presidents and shared God’s love with millions. Admission is free, and exhibits are state-of-the-art. The experience is unforgettable. “Come and see what God has done.” —Psalm 66:5, ESV

Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org • 704-401-3200 Reservations required for groups of 10 or more; email [email protected] ©2017 BGEA or call 704-401-3270. • 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association NTAonline.com 21 preserve the history of the founder and “We welcome 80,000-100,000 visi- When asked what visitors like the patriarch of the family, Albert Gilles. tors of many faiths each year from all most about visiting her family’s studio Born in Paris in 1895, Gilles learned cop- over the world,” explains Palmyre Gilles and museum, Gilles replied, “Maybe per embossing from his aunt and brought of Copper Art Studio and Museum. what they most enjoy … and admire, is his skills to the U.S. in the 1930s. He “Many faith travelers are inspired by to see our family carrying on 91 years first created works of art for automotive Christorama, the museum exhibit of of tradition, from father to daughter to executives in Detroit and for the rich and my father’s 50 hand-embossed copper granddaughter.” famous in California. When Pope Pius XII panels depicting the life of Christ. I have commissioned Gilles to create an ornate seen some even moved to tears.” Food Québec City offers more restau- chalice of gold and silver to commemo- Visitors can also see Albert Gilles’ work rants per capita than any other city in rate the 300th anniversary of Montréal, in area churches. “Many tour groups visit North America. It has its own culinary Gilles immigrated to Canada and turned our studio and museum before continu- identity that combines formal French his talent toward religious subjects. One of ing on to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne de cuisine with rich, meat-heavy Québec his most famous works is the main door Beaupré just 10 minutes away. My father staples. You can try local delicacies such of the Shrine of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, designed the massive and intricately as smoked meat or tarte au sucre (sugar an intricately embossed all-copper door decorated copper door of this basilica as pie) made with Québec’s famous maple that depicts Biblical scenes. well as some interior accent pieces.” syrup. At Saint-Benoit Abbey in the

Shrines of Québec Québec’s National Shrines was founded in 2009 to promote awareness and tourism of the five Catholic shrines located in the Canadian province. Visited by more than four million pilgrims and tourists each year, the following sites offer a glimpse into the history of the Christian faith in Canada and North America.

stands as evidence of the perseverance and faith of the early pioneers and pilgrims who settled in Canada.

Shrine of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré Founded in 1658, this shrine, the second-oldest pilgrim- age site in North America, is dedicated to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. With more than 350 years of his- tory, this cathedral welcomes almost 1 million visitors annu- ally from all over the world, regardless of race or religion. It is located 20 minutes outside of Québec City.

Ermitage Sainte-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette This shrine was founded in 1907 and is located 250 miles north of Québec City in the midst of a breathtaking land- scape of evergreens and rolling hills. Visitors can take a guided tour, visit the museum, hike parts of the 130-mile Kapatakan Trail or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature surrounding this shrine. MICHEL CATY For more information about the Shrines of Québec, contact Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal Francois Jean Viel at [email protected] or visit This shrine, founded in 1904, is the largest in the world sanctuairesquebec.com. dedicated to Saint Joseph. Visitors are treated to beautiful music, exhibits of more than 200 nativity scenes from 100 different countries, and unmatched views of Montréal from the shrine’s mountainside location.

Our Lady of the Cape This shrine is located in the Mauricie region on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River and is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Welcoming more than a half million pil- grims every year, the site includes a chapel built in 1714 and a modern basilica, completed in 1964, with beautiful

stained glass windows. bit.ly/2oXOZlc

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral A UNESCO World Heritage site, Notre-Dame de Québec is located in Old Québec City and was founded in 1647. The first cathedral and Catholic place of worship founded north of Mexico, it was instrumental in the development of Québec, Canada and North America over the years and CC FLICKR/JOCKRUTHERFORD:

22 April/May 2018 Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Museum Copper etching COPPER ART STUDIO & MUSEUM COPPER ART

idyllic town of Saint-Benoit-Du-Lac, you First-time visitor? See what culture of the area. As an add-on, you can observe the monks producing more a tour expert suggests. can arrive via Toronto, which would than a dozen varieties of fresh cheese. As an introduction to the Québec allow you to also experience Niagara province, Massalaz suggests a six- Falls and the 1000 Island area before Nature Québec has 24 national parks, day tour including two nights in heading to Québec. which include forests, mountains, lakes Montréal, one night in Trois-Rivières and fjords, caribou, moose, black bear and the last two nights in Québec To learn more, contact Massalaz at and whales. Says Massalaz, “The Québec City. This itinerary will allow you to [email protected] or visit province has magnificent landscapes follow the path of the founders of the voyagesintermissions.com. And reach where you can experience the greatness Catholic Church in North America out to Gilles at palmyre@cuivres-albert and beauty of nature.” while experiencing the history, art and gilles.com or go to albertgilles.com.

Secure your tickets now! Oberammergau 2020

© Passion Play Oberammergau 2020 Ed-Ventures has group ticket blocks available for the Passion Play in Oberammergau 2020. Reserve your group of 20 or more before tickets are sold out! Scheduled tours for smaller groups and individuals. www.Ed-Ventures.com • 800-658-7128 Ed-Ventures specializes in custom group tours—worldwide and domestic programs designed to meet your needs.

© Passion Play Oberammergau 2020

NTAonline.com 23 Foodie cities and scenes A culinary focus commands travelers’ attention (and appetites)

BY PATTI NICKELL

Remember the days when travel was all about the destination and the sightseeing it offered? Do you recall when food was just something you partook of between museum visits … or when travel was all about feeding your intellect and your craving for adventure—and not your stomach? Well if so, then you’re remembering travel before the advent of the slow food movement, the farm-to-table evolution or even the farm-to-fork renaissance. These days, destinations are often selected—at least in part— for their commitment to unique food and drink experiences as essential travel components. These five NTA-member destinations have plenty to offer tour operators whose clients are a hungry and thirsty bunch.

Napa, California: “Walk. Taste. Sip,” is the slogan of taste the estate’s hand-crafted olive oils We’ll take food with that wine the Napa Culinary Crawl, offered every paired with seasonal bites. It’s no secret that, with 400 wineries, other month starting in February. If you want an experience you can Napa Valley is one of the premier wine Groups can enjoy downtown Napa’s get nowhere else, book your group destinations in the world. But what wine tasting rooms and restaurants, on the Napa Valley Wine Train, which some don’t know is that the long, slen- with each stop featuring specially pre- offers a range of tours including a der valley has more Michelin-starred pared bites paired with specialty drinks. six-hour journey that features a four- restaurants per capita than any of the Two fall events showcase the best of course meal as well as tours and tast- world’s other wine regions. the valley. Celebrate September harvest ings at three wineries. Your group can eat and drink to their with Calistoga’s Harvest Table. A 1,000- Finally, you can arrange a cooking hearts’ content on specialty tours such foot long table is set up in the center of class at the house conceived by two leg- as True Taste of the Napa Valley. If Lincoln Avenue, offering bounty from ends—Julia Child and Robert Mondavi. tour operators book by May, they can 20 of the valley’s top restaurants, and Greystone in St. Helena, once home to work with a Napa food and wine libations from 40 of its wineries and the Christian Brothers Winery, is now expert who will curate an breweries. part of the Culinary Institute experience designed just After the grapes come the olives. of America, and it offers for their group. Bring your group in November, and classes you can experience the olive harvest. for One of the best places to do so is at Round Pond Winery, where guests can

Calistoga’s

Harvest Table TIM CARL

24 April/May 2018 HALL ROAD ORCHARD

LUCERO OLIVE OIL AMERICAN OLIVE FARMER

Image from the LOVE ORCHARD close to the tasting room

Custom Olive Orchard & Mill Tours Guided World Class Olive Oils Tastings Conveniently located along Interstate I-5 On the Historic Highway 99 north of Sacramento Open Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Tour buses and vans welcome Contact us Toll Free 1-877-330-2190 www.LuceroOliveOil.com

NTAonline.com 25 Foodie cities and scenes the serious cook and informative tours for the rest of the group. For more information, contact Visit Napa Valley’s Corbie Smith at corbie@ visitnapavalley.com or go to visitnapa valley.com.

Asheville, North Carolina: America’s Foodtopia What can you say about a smallish city in the Smokies that has more than 250 independent restaurants (six of them with James Beard-nominated chefs); 14 farmers markets, including the nation’s first wild foods market; and 1,000 family Montford Rooftop Bar at the Hyatt Place hotel, Asheville farms in the surrounding area? C2 PHOTOGRAPHY You can say that Asheville’s vibrant can tailor a private tour for your group. to cook their own foraged foods or take and robust food scene makes it deserv- Smaller groups (a maximum of 12 them to one of the company’s partner ing of its moniker, Foodtopia. That is, people, including the driver) can take restaurants for a “find dining” experi- when it’s not being referred to as Beer advantage of a discounted farm-to-table ence. No Taste Like Home also offers pri- City, the result of having the most brew- van tour. These guided tours visit farms vate, customized tours for groups, with eries per capita (1 per 41 residents) in specializing in produce, cheese, chicken, an option for a wild foods cooking class. the United States. beef, lamb and flowers, and they include Foraging can be thirsty work, so you Naturally, a city with this kind of an opportunity to meet the farmers. might want to include a guided walk- food cred has a lot to offer groups. For Most tours culminate with a farm- ing tour that takes your group behind starters, Eating Asheville offers walking driven meal prepared by a local chef. the scenes at some of those 41 brewer- tours to give foodies an inside look at If farm-to-table is too tame for your ies. Led by a certified beer expert, the Foodtopia. You can book your group on group, book them on a forage-to-table walks focus on how brewers shape raw the High Roller Tour to sample the cre- adventure with No Taste Like Home, ingredients into their individual vision, ations of the city’s award-winning chefs, the only company of its kind in North and tours include a lot of tasting along or the Classic Tour, where they can enjoy America. These tours take guests “off the way. up to seven restaurants in a single after- the eaten” path into fields and forests to For more information, go to explore noon. And if you prefer, the company learn about wild foods. Groups can opt asheville.com or contact Beth McKinney at [email protected]. Cotton Row Restaurant, Huntsville Huntsville, Alabama: A food scene that’s out of this world Huntsville may be better known as home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center than for its reputation as a city for foodies, but according to Kristen Pepper, marketing manager for the Huntsville CVB, the culinary scene has taken off in recent years with … well, the speed of a rocket. With a number of excellent restau- rants in the historical downtown area, your group will be spoiled for choice. A good way to maximize their experi- ence is to book them for Dine and Dash. Held the second Wednesday of every

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CVB month from April through October, this

26 April/May 2018 event includes visits to four downtown Tucson, Arizona: The best way to experience all three establishments for exclusive, specially The first UNESCO City of is on one of the many food tours. designed tastings. You can book a large Gastronomy in the U.S. Tucson Food Tours, the city’s original group for a private experience, or if your Raise your hand if you knew that in walking food tour, is included in the group is smaller, you can join locals for 2015, Tucson was named a UNESCO City book “100 Things to do in Tucson Before a true taste of Huntsville. of Gastronomy, joining cities in Brazil, You Die.” Specializing in custom tours Ashley Ryals, owner and founder of China and Sweden and becoming the for small or large groups, the staff will Homegrown Huntsville, which coordi- first in the U.S. to earn the designation. handle all the planning for you. nates Dine and Dash, explains why this Much of it no doubt stems from Want a side of history with your hue- is the perfect group activity. Tucson having what it calls “The Best vos? Or tall tales dished out with your “It’s an exciting opportunity to visit 23 Miles of Mexican Food” this side of tamales? A Taste of Tucson Downtown is several restaurants and to interact with the border. It’s not just the Mexican a guided culinary and cultural tour of the locals,” she says. “However, if your group influence, however, as Anglo and Native historical downtown area that combines is 30 or more, we can host private tours American cuisines also factor into the regional food (tastings at five restau- and progressive dinners tailored to your area’s rich culinary heritage. rants) with history, art and architecture. specific needs.” If your (small) group wants to cook what they eat, you’re in luck. Local chef and cookbook author C.C. Fridlin conducts classes throughout the year in various venues. If you’re not exactly Rachael Ray or Gordon Ramsay and would prefer chatting instead of actu- ally cooking, James Beard-nominated chef James Boyce holds special events and meet-ups at his three Huntsville restaurants: Cotton Row, Commerce Kitchen and Pane e Vino. It’s not just Huntsville’s food scene that is on the upswing; the city has the largest number of breweries per capita of any city in Alabama. Your group can visit two of the breweries at Campus No. 805, a repurposed middle school that is now a major entertainment complex. Another way for craft beer lovers to enjoy breweries, tap rooms and bottle shops is on the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail. Groups can get free trail cards, and once they visit all 10 stops on the trail, they will receive a special “Trail Boss” bottle opener. Huntsville has a number of food fes- tivals spread throughout the year, from the Whistlestop Weekend (celebrating the state’s barbecue heritage) to the Big Spring Crush Wine Festival (Alabama’s first winery competition). Perhaps most interesting is the annual Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfest, a traditional German celebration with an Alabama twist. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand why Huntsville’s food scene has reached stratospheric heights. For more information, email the CVB’s Pam Williams at [email protected] or Sonoran hot dog, Tucson visit huntsville.org. VISIT TUCSON

NTAonline.com 27 Dating back thousands of years, it historical districts such as the Gothic Foodie cities blends local, Mediterranean and North Quarter, El Born and the Barceloneta, African influences into a melting pot while tasting dishes ranging from a and scenes that is a magnet for Michelin stars. typical Catalan appetizer to a seafood- Tour operators taking groups to rich paella or prime beef from Spain’s Sonoran Tasting Tours provides a Madrid should check out that city’s gas- northern provinces. good way for your group to experience tronomic markets. Some of the centu- With San Sebastian as its epicenter, Southern Arizona’s premier wineries. ries-old food markets in historical build- the Basque Country in northern Spain On the tour, you can sample the grapes, ings have been re-imagined as authentic is often referred to as “Michelin Star enjoy lunch, and bask in the beauty of the gourmet street markets, where there’s a Heaven,” the result of nearly 40 restau- Sonoita Valley and Willcox Wine Country. mixture of traditional and avant-garde. rants with the coveted stars. Couple Want to say you’ve been in the kitchen The most famous is Mercado San Miguel, that with the area’s La Rioja wine region with a James Beard Award-winning chef? an iron and glass structure housing 20 and you have what is often described Well, your group can earn bragging rights different vendors selling everything from as one of the world’s best gastronomic during a cooking class with Janos Wilder fish and ham to olives, cheese, wine and destinations. at his downtown outpost, Carriage House. the ever-popular tapas. Food festivals naturally play an Other noteworthy experiences: See Platea, located in a converted cin- important role in Spain. This year’s 20th how local whiskey is made—from grain to ema, has restaurants, bars and stalls annual Gastronomika will be held in glass—at Hamilton Distillers (the differ- overseen by three chefs who boast six San Sebastian from October 7 to 10 and ence is in the desert flavor of mesquite); Michelin stars among them. A hip new will focus on all things culinary—from try Tucson’s semi-official dish, the Sonoran addition to the city’s foodie scene is tastings to interactive presentations by hot dog (a James Beard America’s Classic Mercado San Ildefonso, with 18 stalls top national and international chefs. award winner); and visit Mission Gardens, and bars spread across three floors. You won’t want to miss introducing a living museum of the Sonoran Desert’s Tour operators should start planning your group to Spain’s national drink, agricultural history, and the site of its first ahead for next year’s Madrid Fusion sherry. From Seville, take a day trip to farm fields dating back 4,000 years. Summit, which will turn Spain’s capi- Jerez, famous for its fortified sherry For more information, go to visit tal city into the world’s gastronomic wines. You can visit wineries where tucson.org or email Jackie Ludwig at capital. It has been held every year in the old traditions have been main- [email protected]. January since 2003. tained and production methods haven’t If Barcelona is your group’s desti- changed for centuries. Viva España: nation, book them on the Barcelona For more information, contact Elisa Magnet for Michelin stars Gourmet Food Tour. You can join an Sainz of the Tourist Office of Spain at There are few countries in the world expert guide on a walking tour of [email protected] or go to with as rich a culinary history as Spain. the back streets and narrow alleys of spain.info.

Gastronomika bit.ly/2oRr8ns CC FLICKR/QUESERIA LA ANTIGUA DE FUENTESAUCO:

28 April/May 2018 Find a foodie destination along the Monumental Route By Terry Sjolin

It seems impossible to please everyone, but we may have figured it out: national monuments and incredible food. As you take your tour group along the Monumental Route (I-90) to see Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower, you can stop in Gillette and Wright, Wyoming, and discover a secret foodie destination on your way to Yellowstone National Park. The food we’ll serve you in Campbell County is the best way we can show how much we want you here, so whether your group is look- ing for handcrafted beers, wood-fired pizzas, locally raised meats or exotic flavors, prepare for a feast in Gillette and Wright. Ingredients come first at Pizza Carrello, and you’ll taste what a difference they make. The famed tomato sauce has no added sugar or salt, CVB COUNTY CAMPBELL because the San Marzano tomatoes used to make If you’re lucky enough to find The Coop, stop in and bring it are robust and sweet. Everything on the Pizza Carello your appetite. The outside may look like an old-fashioned menu comes from the gigantic wood-fired oven, from the drive through, but inside you’ll find Costa Rican-inspired crisped salads to the pita wraps and, of course, the pizza. rotisserie chicken dishes prepared freshly in-house with Local favorites include homemade wood-fired meatballs, flavor, spice and love. The portions are huge, but the prices Dazzle Berry pizza and made-from-scratch cheesecake are small. While this is an outstanding option for health- that’s renowned worldwide (or at least should be). conscious, macro-counting visitors, the hot honey wings At Big Lost Meadery, you can drink like the gods. with homemade ranch dressing are worth the splurge. Different than wine or beer, mead is an alcoholic drink made Have a taste of Gillette history and wash it down with by fermenting honey with water. Known as the preferred an award-winning beer at Gillette Brewing Company & elixir of Greek gods, mead was popular in Norse and Viking Gone Postal Pizzeria, home of Locomotive Brown Beer, tradition, and Big Lost is the Wyoming version of this tale. which took second place in the 2015 U.S. Open Beer The Meadery building is nothing short of magnificent, and Championships. Located in the town’s historical post office, the atmosphere is as memorable as your first taste of mead Gillette’s first microbrewery is a place that feels familiar, will be. Sip on different mead flavors (fused with assorted even for first-time visitors. All the pizza dough is made with fruits, flowers, hops and grains) from oversized steer horns Gillette Brewing Company Beer. In addition to the one-of-a- in front of a warm fire; you’ll feel immortal. kind pizza, families love the restaurant’s kid-friendly section Uncork and unwind at Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Cellar with darts, pool and shuffleboard. with a state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed 10,000-bottle wine While this article features some heavy hitters in the cellar. Whether you want a high-end label or something more Gillette foodie world, it’s by no means exhaustive. Sample approachable, you’ll find it in wild appetizers like python, ostrich and kangaroo at Pokey’s this collection that has earned Barbecue and Smokehouse. Tour the Durham Ranch in Wine Spectator magazine’s Wright to see how the bison that is served at Wright’s Open Best of Award of Excellence Range Steakhouse, Pokey’s and the Prime Rib are raised. annually since 2006. Be sure Dine on authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho & Bakery 59, or to ask your server whether try a surprising yet delectable combo at Armando’s Taco & you should match your Pasta Shop. For more dining options, go to visitgillette drink with mouth-watering wright.com/plan-your-stay/dining. USDA choice steak, juicy Good food is only made better by good company, so we burgers or seafood. Most can’t wait to share a meal with you. Prime Rib staffers have been with the restaurant Terry Sjolin is the DMO sales manager of the Campbell 10 to 20 years, so consider County CVB in Gillette, Wyoming. Reach her at terry@

CAMPBELL COUNTY CVB COUNTY CAMPBELL them pairing experts. visitgillettewright.com or go to visitgillettewright.com.

Sponsored content For information on all the hotels, attractions and experiences detailed here, contact Heather Colache, tourism account director for Visit AC, at +1.609.449.7151 or [email protected]. Or go to meetac.com.

Atlantic City Boardwalk

CITY SPOTLIGHT Atlantic City: Blown away BY BOB ROUSE

LET’S START this out “Jeopardy”-style: That said, I like jangly casinos and high-energy attrac- Answer: An elephant, a lighthouse and the world’s loudest organ. tions—along with great food, fun venues and unique experi- Question: What three things did you not see coming in ences. Had I visited on a windless day, I still would have been Atlantic City? (see page 32) blown away by the options and offerings along the AC stretch of the Jersey Shore. I had been to Atlantic City a couple of times in my younger days, when I sought out the city’s casinos and excitement. But I enjoyed a whole other view of Atlantic City at the invitation of Heather Colache, tourism account director for Visit AC. To be clear, my view was not clear during my late January visit. Despite a steady breeze—sustained winds of 25 mph, gusting to 35 whenever I stepped outdoors—visibility was a foggy quarter-mile or less. But just as a blind person relies on other senses to experi- ence life, I put away the camera and binoculars and gathered a sense of the place through its people and (indoor) places. Most prevalent of all is the sense of hometown loyalty and pride in place. I was amazed by the number of natives who work in the tourism industry there, including my guides: Heather and Jessica Kasunich, Visit AC’s communications manager. Their passion for the product sets an authentic tone to the town, and I appreciated that touch of Mayberry amid the jan- TOP: MEET AC gly casinos and high-energy attractions. - AC ALLIANCE HAVAS

30 April/May 2018 A place to stay Even the most ardent, all-night gambler operations, and Donna Bell, bus market- Atlantic City midweek and the major needs a place to stay, and AC has seven ing tour and travel manager. cities on weekends,” advised Karen casino hotels, plus a good number of This place is ideal for groups. Tarnovski, tour and travel sales man- non-casino properties, from small inns “Our casino is 38 steps from where ager for Caesar’s, Harrah’s Resort and to large resorts. buses drop off passengers, and we Bally’s, all of which are connected. I stayed at the Tropicana, and while have two theaters, which seat 300 and “Come stay with us on weekdays, when I enjoyed a spacious room and the 1,200,” Meg told me. “We partner with Philly is expensive. Then stay in Philly— casino, what most impressed me about Mohegan Sun, and we have a single or in New York City—on weekends, this NTA-member property was not the owner who continues to put money when it’s cheaper there.” quarter slot machines, but The Quarter. back into the property.” We returned to the Resorts complex This attractive complex has more Groups that visit in August for for lunch with Debbie Gutjahr, sales than 50 dining, drinking and shopping the city’s annual airshow can access manager at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville options, and it’s laid out in a cool hom- Resorts’ exclusive viewing area with and Landshark Bar and Grill. age to the streets of Old Havana. I did all covered seating, and the hotel provides Landshark is a beach bar that sits across my shopping there (which was mostly lunch. Resorts accommodates groups the boardwalk from Margaritaville. It has limited to take-home chocolates). throughout the year, of course. a breezy atmosphere with indoor areas, a I dined with my Visit AC hosts at “Tour operators can make their own deck and seating right on the beach. Carmine’s, a family-style Italian restau- packages here,” she said. “The basic “We create a space for groups, depend- rant located in The Quarter. one is a show, a meal each day and slot ing on the group’s size and the bar pack- “We have the wow factor,” said Lynn plays, and they can add on a meet-and- age,” Debbie said. “I do a lot of full buy- Manzi, Carmine’s special events direc- greet with the entertainer.” outs, especially in the off-season.” tor. “That’s the first word out of a guest’s A site inspection with Donna included Margaritaville, too, offers lots of mouths when the food arrives on a platter.” a history lesson. “The room renovations options, including a buffet for up to 120 Carmine’s does extensive group busi- are fantastic, elegant and comfortable, guests, with an interior wall and out- ness. “During the season I host as many and I love the nostalgia with this place side doors that can be open or closed. as a thousand buses,” Manzi said. “Our and with this city,” she said. “Ocean “When our doors are wide open, it’s a bus customers come in the spring and Tower has lots of adjoining rooms whole different feel,” Debbie said. “We summer to see a show and have a good because it was used by the military.” want to do more with groups, and I’ll time. The groups come back in the fall, Near the end of World War II, the hotel customize something to make the most when the shows change, and then they was requisitioned by the federal govern- of any budget.” come at Christmas. It’s a different expe- ment and became the Atlantic City Air I recommend building a budget that rience every time.” Forces Training and Reception Center includes the Caribbean chicken egg During the peak of a storm that Hospital. Many of the rooms have unique rolls. And key lime pie. dumped an inch of rain on AC, we vis- configurations, some with huge closets. Another cool space we explored was ited another NTA-member property, Departing Resorts, we visited more The VÜE. Located in the Claridge Hotel, Resorts Casino Hotel. Despite the winds hotels, and everywhere we went, the locals it’s the only rooftop bar in Atlantic City. and fog outside, we had a delightful talked about the freakish weather—but “It’s great for the airshow and fireworks breakfast with Meg Lewis, the hotel’s more about groups visiting the destination. displays,” said Jessica Jarvis, sales man- executive director of marketing and bus “Ideally, tour operators would package ager for hotel.

Rolling into town The Wheel is opening this spring, and says Sharon Franz, sales and marketing while 2018 visitors will be excited, the director for Steel Pier, where The Wheel tourism community is ecstatic. is located. “It’s such a smooth ride; you “We’ve been talking about The Wheel don’t even know you’re moving.” opening for a couple of years, and after Patrons will move, though. Seated in some delays, the clouds have parted and climate-controlled gondolas, they’ll make it’s really ready,” says Heather Colache of five revolutions during the 15-minute ride. Visit AC. Franz says that tour operators will get The 227-foot attraction, third tallest on a discount, and packages can include a MEET AC the East Coast, is set to be open week- grab-and-go lunch or a beverage in a ends through April, and then run every souvenir cup. Before the attraction’s 14,000 LED day starting in May. “The Wheel means a lot to us, and we lights illuminate the evening sky, visitors “This view—there’s nothing like it partner with Steel Pier on several proj- can take a late afternoon ride. “The view of on the Jersey Shore. Our wheel is 300 ects,” says Meg Lewis of Resorts Casino the sunset on The Wheel is spectacular,” feet out into the ocean, and you can Hotel, which sits beside the pier and its Franz says. “You have to get up that high see for miles up and down the coast,” many rides and activities. to see the western sky over the buildings.”

NTAonline.com 31 CITY SPOTLIGHT ATLANTIC CITY A town to tour After our hotel inspections, we embarked on a drive-about; Heather had lots more to show off in her hometown:

• Atlantic City offers tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, and at the 100-plus stores in Tanger Outlets, you can say, “Let. There. Be. Clothes and shoes.” Situated on three streets, the NTA-member retail center includes Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Chico’s, H&M, BOB ROUSE DKNY and Bass Pro Shops. Tour oper- ators can get coupons for their groups Wine, please and vouchers for group leaders and I’m no oenologist, but I loved visit-

coach drivers. MEET AC ing Sharrott Winery in Hammonton, a 45-minute drive from AC. Upon our arrival, Heather discussed with owner • Gardner’s Basin is a maritime park • The Sheraton Atlantic City is adjacent Larry Sharrott Jr. the tasting party she located in the city’s back-bay area. to the convention center, and it also hosted using only his wines. And then “This place is hopping during the houses the unofficial Miss America we had our own party. I sampled a dry spring and summer, and we enjoy museum, which features gowns, Riesling, an unoaked Chardonnay, a cou- what we call ‘local summer’ during crowns and other memorabilia. ple of reds and Wicked, a port-style red that makes you sit up and pay attention. the fall,” Heather said. In addition to The winery is adding a tasting room shopping and dining, sightseeing boats • Boardwalk Hall is a multipurpose that will seat 80 and include two bars and fishing excursions, there’s the arena that hosts concerts, events and several seating configurations. three-story Atlantic City Aquarium. and meetings. It has quite a history, Scheduled to be completed by early including in August 1964, when the April, the new space will have glass garage doors opening onto a patio • A tunnel connects the Boardwalk to Democratic National Convention nom- and a wall of windows overlooking the back bay and several large hotels, inated Lyndon Johnson there. And a the vineyard. including Golden Nugget, Borgata week later, with “All the Way with LBJ” Sharrot is formally educated, with and Harrah’s. “A lot of people like banners still hanging from the rafters, a wine degree from University of that vibe,” Heather said, “and they The Beatles performed to a sold-out California at Davis. “I like to think of myself as a jazz musician who is can connect to the rest of the city crowd of 18,000, including President grounded in classical music—and then with 24-hour jitneys as well as Uber Johnson’s two daughters, who stayed goes out and creates,” he said. and Lyft.” in town to catch The Fab Four.

Answer: An elephant, a lighthouse and the world’s loudest organ.

At 171 feet, Absecon Lighthouse is New Jer- sey’s tallest lighthouse. Visitors can climb 228 of its 240 steps for a nice view of the city. (I could not have BOB ROUSE mounted those The Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ is JOHN DIMALO final 12 steps.) the largest organ in the world—with 33,112 Lucy the elephant has been an Atlantic Decommis- pipes. It’s also the world’s loudest: One City resident since the 1880s. Built as a sioned in 1933, of the stops blows out 138 decibels. (A 65-foot-tall eye-catcher for selling real the light still jet fighter engine registers 120 decibels.) comes on at From May through September, there’s a estate in South Atlantic City, Lucy has MEET AC served through the decades as a tea room, sundown—but free 30-minute concert every day at noon. bar, private residence and, now, a museum. for tourists, not ships. Open every day, July And on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., take a There are guided tours, and visitors can and August; Thursday through Monday the two-hour walking tour of the building and get a good view from the howdah. rest of the year. the organ, currently being restored.

32 April/May 2018 COMPASS A REGIONAL ROUNDUP OF ITINERARY IDEAS AMARILLO CVC

No shallow Palo: Hiking, biking and 34 horseback riding are three popular ways Midwest U.S. to explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Located outside of Amarillo in the Texas West South Central U.S. 38 Panhandle, the canyon is 120 miles long and more than 800 feet deep. To check out Latin America 41 additional highlights at destinations across the Lone Star State, turn to page 38. South Pacific 44

NTAonline.com 33 COMPASS

Midwest U.S. COMPILED BY KENDALL FLETCHER

Monument Rocks National Landmark Follow the yellow brick road[s] The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has Athletics and Historic Harley-Davidson. taken the fame that’s followed Kansas from “The Wizard of Artisan — Visit local artisans and museums across the Oz” and turned it into a travel idea. state, including the Grassroots Art Center in Lucas and the “Our Yellow Brick Road Trips are very popular,” says Kelli Wichita Art Museum. Hilliard, PR and travel development manager. “Our sample Wanderlust — Explore a little bit of everything Kansas has to itineraries are packed with attractions, events and experi- offer as part of the newest Yellow Brick Road Trip. Visit Monument ences to help visitors chart plans for exploring specific Rocks National Landmark, the site of the Chalk Pyramids; expe- regions of the Sunflower State, like the southern central rience the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City; plains and northern western plains. Itineraries cover our eight and grab dinner at Bon Bon Restaurant in Lawrence, voted the geographic regions as well as various themes.” Greatest Food Town in Kansas by Midwest Living in 2017. Travelers Those themes include the following: can also camp, hike and visit breweries along the way. Historic — Learn about the Bleeding Kansas era and see For the full “The Wizard of Oz” experience, travelers can see places like Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Buffalo the Oz Museum in Wamego. Soldier Monument. For more information, contact Hilliard at kelli.hilliard@ Mancation — Plan a trip strictly for male bonding with ks.gov or go to travelks.com. To create custom itineraries, visit some outdoor adventuring or visits to the Booth Hall of travelks.com/tripbuilder.

Fort Scott National Historic Site Oz Museum KANSAS TOURISM

34 April/May 2018 Pioneer re-enactor program Truman Library and Museum Leila’s Hair Museum VISITINDEPENDENCE.COM Pioneers, presidents and … hair art? Part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, Independence is, Truman Walking Trail. well, an independent city in Missouri with captivating history “The sites show his connections growing up in the area and the and unique places to visit. impact it had on his later decisions. Visitors can explore Clinton’s “You can’t talk about the city of Independence without what Soda Fountain, where he had his first job. And for the fuller put it on the map in the first place. It was the jumping off experience, there are tours of the Truman home, the Truman point to the West,” says Frank Buhro, historic site and volunteer Courthouse and the Truman Library and Museum,” Buhro says. manager for Independence Parks/Recreation/Tourism. “It was One of the city’s most unique finds is Leila’s Hair Museum. the last of civilization for the pioneers seeking a better life. With more than 600 wreaths and 2,000 pieces of jewelry made They left Independence on the long journeys on the California, from human hair on display, the museum offers a tour that Santa Fe and Oregon trails. The story of each of these is told teaches the braiding techniques used to make Victorian hair art. at the National Frontier Trails Museum and the Pioneer Trails “This art was started as a way of remembering loved ones Adventure, where they offer covered wagon rides.” and paying tribute to them before there were photos. Leila has Independence was home to Harry S. Truman and has quite the collection,” Buhro says. “There truly is nothing like it.” many sites that tell of the former president’s life, including For more information, contact Buhro at fbuhro@indepmo. the Truman Depot, the Truman Memorial Building and the org or go to visitindependence.com.

Hop on the covered wagon Scotts Bluff National Monument “To experience western Nebraska is to experience the Old West,” says Micheal Collins, group travel manager with the Nebraska Tourism Commission. “This is a land filled with his- tory and culture, from the Native American tribes who first

settled this wild region to fur traders and trappers looking for bit.ly/2FLLPcm fortune to early pioneers and ranchers searching for a better way of life out West.” For travelers seeking out the area’s Old West history, the com- mission offers a four-day itinerary titled Western Nebraska’s Buffalo Bill, Oregon Trail, Pioneer Experience. The tour covers sites like the Golden Spike Tower & Visitor Center, which boasts the world’s largest railroad classification yard; Scotts Bluff National Monument; and the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, once home to Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Visitors will take wagon rides to the Lincoln County Historical Museum, learn the story of the North Platte Canteen and dodge robbers while exploring a re-created Old SERVICE: PARK CC FLICKR/IIP PHOTO ARCHIVE - NATIONAL West town. They’ll see Native American artifacts and art at bison at Monkey Ranch and experience some notable dining the Petrified Wood Gallery and visit the most recognized land- at places like Beehaven Farm Roadside Market. mark on the Oregon Trail, Chimney Rock National Historic For more information and the full itinerary, contact Collins Site. They’ll also discover wagon ruts that are still visible at at [email protected] or go to visitnebraska.com/ the base of the summit near the North Platte River, hand feed group_travel.

NTAonline.com 35 COMPASS MIDWEST U.S.

Cloie Creek Mountain Bike Park Heritage Trail TRI-STATE MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDERS MOUNTAIN TRI-STATE TRAVEL DUBUQUE TRAVEL

What’s not to bike in Iowa? New biking experiences await in Dubuque, where the recently Taylor Cummings, director of marketing with Travel Dubuque. opened Cloie Creek Mountain Bike Park offers a 2.5-mile trail “Dubuque is really starting to embrace a diverse group of with banked turns, jumps, climbs and a creek crossing open bikers, from nature enthusiasts to really avid mountain bik- to all skill levels and ages. The project’s collaborative team ers,” Cummings says. “The offerings and the attractions, res- will open trails at the Interstate Power Preserve this July with taurants and support around biking make Dubuque a great six miles of cross-country singletrack, a primary loop for biking destination.” beginners and three additional loops. The city also has dozens of recreation trails for bikers. For The 26-mile Heritage Trail—stretching from Dubuque to more information, contact Cummings at tcummings@travel Dyersville—continues to be a popular option for bikers, says dubuque.com or visit traveldubuque.com.

Here’s to you, Waterloo For groups traveling to eastern Iowa, Waterloo offers many unique, group-friendly locations. A list of the CVB’s must-see stops includes: DEERE.COM CVB WATERLOO TRAVELWATERLOO.COM

John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum Galleria de Paco restaurant Sullivan Brothers Visitors learn about agriculture before Lunch and dinner are served beneath an Iowa Veterans Museum and after the development of tractors and impressive replica of the Sistine Chapel The museum honors veterans from machines in the Cedar Valley. The city will ceiling, created with (gasp!) spray paint by the Civil War to the present, including hold a 100th celebration of John Deere’s renowned artist Paco Rosic. the Sullivan brothers, five siblings from arrival in Waterloo with lots of community Waterloo who perished when the USS events June 15-16. Juneau sank during World War II.

For more information, contact Beth Keeney with Waterloo CVB at [email protected] or visit travelwaterloo.com.

36 April/May 2018 NTA’S GO-TO GUIDE

of NTA tour operators use the directory in their day-to-day jobs. MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY2017–18

Being included in the Membership Directory automatically puts you in front of NTA buyers and potential partners.

Get their attention by enhancing your listing or through advertising.

SPACE DEADLINE April 20 NTAonline.com | @NTAnews | #NTAnow

TO ADVERTISE CALL +1.859.264.6559 OR EMAIL [email protected]

NTAonline.com 37 COMPASS

West South Central U.S. COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON A Texas six-step NTA has more than 25 DMO members across Texas, giving tour operators plenty of colleagues they can turn to for itinerary assistance. The following six Lone Star State destinations provide unique experiences, and representatives from the local DMOs offer advice on what groups should see and do.

Amarillo Kerrville Y.O. Ranch Responses provided by Kashion Responses provided by Charlie Smith of the Amarillo CVC McIlvain, CTP, of the Kerrville CVB Why is your Amarillo such a Tell us why Kerrville is such a great place? great destination. Amarillo has that one-of-a-kind Visitors to the Texas Hill Country West Texas hospitality! Not experience an exceptional quality only is our service top-notch, of life. The Guadalupe River flows groups also have many types of through downtown Kerrville, and DEBBIE HAGEBUSCH attractions, hotels and restau- we have two live theaters, many art galleries, excellent dining

rants to choose from. AMARILLO CVC opportunities and a mild climate. What are some of your top attractions? What are some of your marquee attractions? The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery and the Cadillac Ranch, The Coming King Prayer Sculpture Garden, ideal for the religious mar- both Route 66 icons; Palo Duro Canyon, which is home to “Texas,” ket; the Y.O. Ranch, with its exotic game ranch tour; Riverside Nature the outdoor musical; and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Center; and art galleries, including the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center What are a couple of good annual festivals? What insider knowledge would help a tour operator The Coors Cowboy Club Cattle Drive and Ranch Rodeo (first package your area? week of June) and the Route 66 Celebration (the Saturday Spending 14 years as a receptive tour operator, I can answer that before July 4) question. Groups can easily spend three days and two nights here and make visits to nearby Texas Hill Country spots—Bandera, What advice would you give a tour operator regarding Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, Hunt, Ingram—before they venture packaging your area? to San Antonio, Austin or Dallas/Fort Worth. We are the perfect stop between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. To really enjoy our area you need at least two nights. To learn more, contact McIlvain at [email protected] or go to kerrvilletexascvb.com. To learn more, contact Smith at [email protected] or go to visitamarillo.com. Laredo San Agustin Responses provided by Selina Cathedral Brewster County Villarreal of the Laredo CVB Responses provided by Robert Alvarez of Visit Big Bend Tell us why Laredo is such a great destination. What makes your area great? Laredo’s sunny skies, friendly atmo- The Big Bend region is like no sphere and cultural offerings make other place in the state. Groups for an interesting adventure. Visiting who visit enjoy the remoteness groups have the opportunity to soak of the area, which allows them to up Laredo’s history, enjoy traditional unplug and get back to the sim- Mexican cuisine, and see arts and crafts. ple things in life, like enjoying a spectacular sunset or seeing the What are three popular Milky Way with the naked eye. attractions?

San Agustin Cathedral, Fort McIntosh LAREDO CVB What are some top nature- Santa Elena Canyon and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum based options? in Big Bend National Park First is Big Bend National Park LEE M c MULLEN What is a must-do nature experience in your area? and its Fossil Discovery Exhibit. Birders from across the world Make sure to pack your binoculars, because Laredo is home to come to Big Bend and go to the national park and to Post Park in some beautiful birds. You can try your luck at bird-watching at Marathon. North Central Park. What advice would you give a tour operator about What advice would you give a tour operator regarding packaging your area? packaging your area? The timing of a visit is important, because we are in the Laredo is a great weekend getaway, and the Laredo CVB staff Chihuahuan Desert, so summers are hot. To see the entire area is ready to welcome all groups and give them an unforgettable takes at least three full days, but shorter visits can be done. experience.

To learn more, contact Alvarez at [email protected] or go To learn more, contact Joel Vazquez of the Laredo CVB at to visitbigbend.com. [email protected] or go to visitlaredo.com.

38 April/May 2018 Pearland Killen’s San Angelo International Water Lily Responses provided BBQ Responses provided by Collection by Kim Sinistore of the Suzanna Aguirre of the Pearland CVB San Angelo CVB Why is Pearland such a What makes San Angelo great place? a great destination? Pearland is a great desti- San Angelo offers groups nation for groups. We pair the opportunity to experi- more affordable Pearland ence frontier history and hotels and local charm with to dive into a modern and Houston’s big-city attrac- vibrant city.

tions just minutes away. PEARLAND CVB What are three popular What is a can’t-miss culinary experience? history attractions? SAN ANGELO CVB Pearland is home to three concept restaurants—Killen’s Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, home to the famous 10th Steakhouse, Killen’s BBQ and Killen’s Burgers—created by execu- Cavalry Regiment of Buffalo Soldiers from the Indian Wars era; The tive chef and Pearland native, Ronnie Killen. Cactus Hotel, the fourth hotel built by Conrad Hilton; and Angelo Civic Theatre, the oldest continuous community theater in Texas. What are other must-visit local spots? BAKFISH Brewing Company and King’s Biergarten & Restaurant If I have friends visiting from out of town, I always take also are popular. Plus, you have the Sri Meenakshi temple in them to … Pearland, which is the only Hindu temple dedicated to the See the International Water Lily Collection Goddess Meenakshi off the shores of India. What insider knowledge would help a tour operator What insider knowledge would help a tour operator package your area? package your area? San Angelo has diverse themed tours on history, arts, culture, reli- Plan for a three- to five-day stay in Pearland, which would allow gion and agriculture, and we also partner with surrounding cities. enough time to experience our amenities and take day trips to For example, we set up tours in Christoval (20 minutes away) at nearby Houston attractions. their winery, hummingbird habitat and monastery.

To learn more, contact Sinistore at [email protected] or To learn more, contact Aguirre at [email protected] or go to go to visitpearland.com. discoversanangelo.org.

NTAonline.com 39 COMPASS WEST SOUTH CENTRAL U.S. The Old West in western Arkansas “Fort Smith, known as the Star of the Western Frontier, is an Miss Laura’s Visitor Center is the typical starting place for exciting destination where folks can bring a heart that loves a group visit to the western Arkansas city. The center is set in history, and we’ll show them ways to fill it,” says Carolyn a century-old building that is the first former bordello to be Joyce, tour and travel sales director for the Fort Smith CVB. listed on the National Register of History Places. With prior “Arkansas’ second-largest city can provide several types of arrangements, Miss Laura—portrayed by Joyce—will greet the activities, and many of our museums and attractions reflect groups and recount the scandalous past of Miss Laura’s Social our rich Old West heritage.” Club and the city’s red-light district, which thrived in the early 1900s. One of the city’s must-dos for groups is the Fort Smith National Historic Site. The attraction includes the courthouse, barracks, jail and restored gallows of the Federal Court of the Western District of Arkansas. During tours, groups can see the courtroom of Judge Isaac C. Parker, who sat on the bench for 21 years and sent 79 men to death by hanging. Joyce says another popular option is a tour featuring The Unexpected Project, a group of more than 30 murals in the downtown area. And, in September 2019, the city will welcome the U.S. Marshals Museum, which will trace the 230-year history of the U.S. Marshals Service. For more information, reach out to Joyce at Fort Smith National Historic Site

FORT SMITH CVB FORT [email protected] or visit fortsmith.org.

Checking in with Cherokee Nation Tourism Travelers seeking to learn more about the Cherokee Nation should head to Catoosa, which is just outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Courier spoke with Cheryl Trask, senior manager of Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, about what groups can experience during a visit to the reservation.

Courier: Talk a little bit about the Cherokee Nation. Trask: Nestled in 66,000 acres of beautiful countryside in northeast Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation is the largest tribal nation in the U.S. We offer a variety of activities to provide visitors with an authentic experience that not only entertains them but also gives them with a better understanding and appreciation for the history and culture of the Cherokee people.

Courier: What interactive programs and tours are available? Trask: We do our best to provide an interactive and engaging experience at all of our locations. Our group tours are available year-round, and each is customizable and often includes hands-on cultural activities, such as bas- ketry, pottery and moccasin making. Featured tours include the Cherokee History Tour, the Will Rogers Tour and the Civil War Tour.

Courier: What other benefits do you offer for groups? Trask: What truly makes us stand out is our knowledgeable and friendly guides. Whether you meet them at one of our four museums or during a bus tour, they all have a love for the Cherokee Nation that runs deep and a passion for sharing it with others.

To learn more, contact Trask at [email protected] or go to

visitcherokeenation.com. VISITCHEROKEENATION.COM

40 April/May 2018 Latin America COMPILED BY PAT HENDERSON bit.ly/2IbEMKZ

Machu Picchu CC WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/MARTIN ST-AMANT: ST-AMANT: CC WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/MARTIN Peru’s preeminent archaeological sites While Machu Picchu remains Peru’s tourism calling card, that feature sacred sites dating back thousands of years. True the fabled site is just one of many that showcase the coun- to its name, the eight-day Trujillo and Cusco Tour covers both try’s amazing landscapes, according to Jessica Bergerie of ancient cities and includes a visit to Machu Picchu. Domiruth Travel. “In Cusco, the archaeological sites and beauty of the colonial “Archaeological sites in Peru are numerous and diverse, architecture merge as you explore each old street and neigh- including temples and fortresses, and representing different borhood, where stunning shades of green are mixed with a aspects of the various cultures of ancient Peru, such as the bright range of red bromeliads and wild orchids,” Bergerie adds. Moche and Nazca,” says Bergerie, who is Domiruth’s head of Beyond the cultural-archaeological programs, Domiruth sales. “They vary in importance and scale, from small loca- offers gastronomic, 4x4 adventure, MICE, luxury, agriculture tions to UNESCO World Heritage sites of global importance.” and other tailored tours. The 34-year-old company offers the Moche Archaeological Reach out to Bergerie at jefedeventas-receptivo@domiruth. and Historical Chachapoyas tours, a pair of six-day programs com or go to domiruth.com/perutravel to learn more.

Seeking sustainable—and memorable—experiences in Brazil From its rugged mountain terrain and rainfor- Ribeiro: Sustainable tourism is on the rise. It goes without ests to vibrant cities and sun-kissed beaches, saying that one of the memorable things about Brazil is the Brazil beckons visitors to its shores. Courier abundant outdoor beauty, and the Brazilian government is spoke with Terra Nova Turismo’s Junior Ribeiro taking measures to protect its natural resources by collaborat- about the company’s offerings that hit the ing with tourism service providers to create more sustainable highlights of South America’s largest country. practices. A shining example of an eco-friendly project is the Uakari Floating Lodge in the Amazon rainforest. They employ Courier: Why is your company a great one for North American biologists and local residents to serve as nature guides and to groups to work with? help preserve nature and culture. Ribeiro: We have 49 years of experience organizing special interest tours in Brazil for clients from all over the world, Courier: How does your company highlight sustainable tourism? which allows us to offer the memorable customer experiences. Ribeiro: We have a bunch of options within our itineraries. Our tours go from the north to south in Brazil, and the most Courier: What are some things that make Brazil such a great popular ones feature the Amazon and ecolodges. Another one destination? I like is our Cocoa Farm Experience in the northeast region Ribeiro: Brazil’s stunning natural beauty, diverse landscape, where travelers can “work” at a farm. That is a one-of-a-kind warm people and endless golden beaches are top reasons to thing, as it puts people right there helping the locals and explore this enchanting country. experiencing the real Brazil.

Courier: Are there any recent trends that are impacting your To learn more, contact Ribeiro at [email protected] or visit company’s tours? tnt.tur.br.

NTAonline.com 41 COMPASS LATIN AMERICA Three times the fun in Colombia’s Golden Triangle Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s most diverse place to go,” says Pelizzaro, who is Metropolitan Touring’s and respected travel companies. Founded in Ecuador in 1953, North American representative. “The country was off limits the NTA member has its own ground operations in Colombia, for many years, but now everyone is discovering that this Ecuador and Peru, and has a fleet of ships that is used for its amazing, diverse destination has so much to offer: art, cul- Galapagos Islands itineraries. ture, nature and its very friendly people.” According to Tom Pelizzaro, the company has seen an increase He says the company’s Golden Triangle itinerary is a good in interest in its Columbia itineraries over the past decade. one for first-time visitors. This seven-day tour covers the “Colombia is emerging because many are looking for a new highlights of Bogota, Pereira and Cartagena. In the Colombian capital, travelers see Plaza de Bolivar, the Gold Museum and the Fernando Botero Museum. They also visit nearby Zipaquirá, which is home to an underground salt cathedral that features the Stations of the Cross and a group of illuminated naves and sculptures. During their two days in Pereira, which is situated in the shadow of the Andes Mountains, travelers visit the area’s famous coffee plantations and see it.ly/2HdEUIn the world’s tallest palm trees in the Valley of Cocora. The trip closes in coastal Cartagena. One of the best- preserved colonial cities in South America, Cartagena is known for its multiethnic heritage that represents African, Spanish and Caribbean influences. To learn more, contact Pelizzaro at tomp@ internationaldestinationmarketing.com or go to Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá

CC FLICKR/ALAN AND FLORA BOTTING: B metropolitan-touring.com.

Cazenave Argentina offers customized Argentina “Argentina is one of the largest countries in the world—it is get to see and experience what you want so that you will look as long as the U.S. is wide—and it features some of the most forward to returning,” he says. “We have been offering our famous regions in the world, like Patagonia, The Pampas and services to the American traveler for over 25 years, not only Tierra del Fuego,” says Jorge Cazenave, president of Cazenave for large groups, but also for families, fishermen, mountain Argentina. “Plus, we have the high Andes, Iguazu Falls and climbers, nature photographers and foodies.” vast majestic landscapes, all with very few inhabitants.” For more details, reach out to Cazenave at jorge@cazenave For first-time visitors, he recommends pairing a few days argentina.com or visit cazenaveargentina.com. in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires—birth- place of the tango and home to A-list Orcas along Patagonia’s Valdes Peninsula arts and cultural attractions, as well as a culinary scene that showcases the country’s noteworthy beef and wine— with visits to other regions of the country. A popular choice is diverse Patagonia, where travelers can see marine wildlife and enjoy the beaches along Argentina’s southern Atlantic Coast then head to the mountains of the interior for trekking, horseback tours and hiking to glacial lakes. Cazenave says one of the advan- tages of working with his company is the high level of customization that’s available. “We know every corner of the

country, and we will make sure you JORGE CAZENAVE

42 April/May 2018 Guanajuato is GuanaWOWto

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT HENDERSON

When I booked two days in Guanajuato as an add-on to a Mexico trip I did with A Closer Look Tours at the end of January, I was excited to finally get to explore one of central Mexico’s colonial cities. I’d seen the compelling photos, read the glowing reviews and even sung its praises on the pages of Courier. I had high expectations, but ... wow. From its friendly locals and always-buzzing street life to its brightly painted houses dotting the hills overlooking the city center, Guanajuato delighted in so many ways. The majority of my first day consisted of two things: hav- ing no real idea where I was going and loving every minute of it. As I walked along the serpentine pathways, I discovered a seemingly endless series of colorful buildings, ornate churches and bustling markets. Every new turn revealed another gem. My roaming on the second day was punctuated by many stops for street cuisine. I started with a fresh-squeezed guava and watermelon shake, which paired better than you’d expect with my flaky apple pastry. Other finds included cheese que- sadillas with a kicky verde sauce, roasted sunflower seeds, a spicy ear of corn and a chocolate-infused churro; clearly it was a good thing I walked 15-20 miles during my stay. One of the most enduring memories came after a late-night meal on Jardin Union. During dinner on the large plaza, I had noticed a mixture of mariachis and costumed minstrels (think Elizabethan England) milling about, some strumming their instruments, others checking their cell phones. As I was paying the bill, I could hear music and cheering in the distance. I followed the sounds and joined a group or 25 or so that had gathered around a fun-loving band of the min- strels. Their songs and banter had everyone laughing and clap- ping along, and they closed by marching out of the square. As our pack followed them up a narrow alleyway, I was struck by how that moment pretty perfectly encapsulated the joyous feeling and carefree spirit I’d enjoyed throughout my all-too-brief time in Guanajuato.

To see additional photos of Guanajuato, go to tinyurl.com/y8457zve.

To learn more about packages featuring Guanajuato and other colonial cities, contact the following NTA members who specialize in tours to Mexico: The Real Mexico A Closer Look Tours Mexico’s Monarchs Colin Caparrós [email protected] acloserlooktours.com

Grupo Meca Mexico Raynald Paquet Copper Canyon [email protected] grupomeca.com

S & S Tours Susan Stilwell [email protected] ss-tours.com Call Today 877 938 0951 Discover more tours at www.acloserlooktours.com

NTAonline.com 43 COMPASS

South Pacific COMPILED BY GABE WEBB Safir Tours offers Australia for all “What we do well is align the interests of the traveler to the things they wish to experience when they visit Australia,” says Nayaz Noor, CEO of Safir Tours. His company, based near Melbourne, creates wholly customized itineraries for groups and FITs. Safir Tours often designs its packages based on a group’s point of origin, says Noor. “North American itineraries typi- cally include a visit to Sydney—to see the iconic opera house and the Blue Mountains—besides Cairns or Port Douglas to see the Outer Great Barrier Reef and, time-permitting, the bit.ly/2G6x44a Daintree Rainforest.” Noor also highlights visits to Uluru and the extension of its popular Field of Lights installation, which will now run until 2020. The company is promoting new itineraries that showcase

Australia’s stunning scenery and luxury offerings. “The Top Three Sisters, the Blue Mountains End, covering Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, SCOTT: CC FLICKR/JONATHAN Arnhem Land and Katherine, is for those who really wish “Because we are a family-owned company, [we] lay a lot of to see the Outback a little differently,” says Noor. Highlights emphasis on the quality and delivery of service and go out of of the tour include a Yellow Water cruise for travelers to see our way to make our guests feel comfortable,” says Noor. “Our billabongs, waterfalls, sandstone escarpments and wildlife. personalized attention to the requirements of travelers and Safir Tours is finalizing a coast-to-coast tour between Perth our versatility in handling all sorts of itineraries—from hon- and Sydney, with departures in both directions. Guests will eymoon couples to incentive and conference groups, families, travel on the Indian Pacific Train (a three-night journey), with women’s groups and seniors—sets us apart.” offbeat excursions along the way. The itinerary also includes For more information, go to safirtours.com.au or reach out time to explore its coastal origin and destination points. to Noor at [email protected].

Find Hawaiian hospitality with NTA-member hotels The NTA membership includes two Hawaii-headquartered lodging companies. Both provide a variety of accommodation types at multiple properties.

Aston Shores at Waikoloa Royal Lahaina Resort AQUA HOSPITALITY HOTELS & RESORTS HAWAIIAN

Aqua Hospitality Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts NTA contact: Myna Eheler | [email protected] NTA contact: June Pagdilao | [email protected] aquaresorts.com hawaiianhotels.com Aqua’s 26 Hawaiian hotels and resorts are spread across Oahu, The company’s oceanfront properties include the Royal Lahaina Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island. The company’s Aqua, Instinct and Resort (Maui) and the Royal Kona Resort (Hawaii), and both offer Lite brands include luxury resorts, boutique hotels in serene set- excellent backdrops for exploring the islands. The Royal Lahaina tings and budget-conscious options. is situated on 27 square acres and includes a half-mile stretch of secluded beach. The Royal Kona Resort looks onto Kailua Bay and offers spectacular sunset views.

44 April/May 2018 Aon Affinity Travel Practice

Now available online for you and your clients!

For more information § Enroll in the NTA Travel Protection plans – Easy as 1,2,3 about the NTA Travel § Enroll anywhere anytime! Protection Plan: § Now available online for you and your clients! Call 1.800.388.1470 Fax 516.294.0609 § Add link to your website browser www.nta.aontravelprotect.com Email [email protected]

Aon Affinity is the brand name for the brokerage and program administration operations of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. (TX 13695); (AR 244489); in CA & MN, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. (CA 0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. Affinity Insurance Services is acting as a Managing General Agent as that term is defined in section 626.015(14) of the Florida Insurance Code. As an MGA we are acting on behalf of our carrier partner.

NTAonline.com 45 10 Ways Membership Works for You

Go hog wild: NTA President Pam Inman and VISIT Milwaukee President Paul Upchurch invite you to the Icebreaker at Harley- Davidson Museum to kick off Travel Exchange ’18.

Search the member database. Accessible Save 24/7 on NTAonline.com, this feature is used money with 18,000 times a month to find valuable busi- 6 Corporate ness partners. Remember, your NTA Online pro- Partners. The dollars file is what members see year-round, so make saved with our Corporate sure it’s updated for maximum results. Partners could pay for your membership! Get great rates on everything from insurance to Attend Travel Exchange ’18—reg is open! office supplies. Join us in Brew City USA Nov. 4–8 2 as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plays host to Get educated. Earn your Certified Tour Travel Exchange ’18. Visit Professional credentials with NTA, and NTAonline.com/convention 7 while you’re at it, stay on top of indus- to get all the details on try trends with our education and research in NTA’s annual convention. Courier magazine, Tuesday e-newsletter and Use #TREX18 to join the con- NTA Online. versation on social media. Join FTA. NTA members can add a suite Connect, create, collaborate at Contact. of Faith Travel Association benefits Travel buyers, this is your chance to 8 focused on the faith-based travel segment 3 gather in historical Charleston, South to their annual membership. You’ll get access to Carolina, April 18–21, for four days of partnering exclusive content, programs and events. and education. Suppliers and DMOs can attend as sponsors. Registration is open, so sign up Be an NTA leader. Leadership advisory today at NTAonline.com/contact. groups give you the chance to shape 9 NTA’s future and make a difference. Join us on Capitol Hill. Join NTA, Current groups include: Member Solutions, U.S. Travel Association, Destinations Education, Advocacy, Hispanic Market, Young 4 International and our sponsoring part- Professionals, Faith Travel and China Inbound. ners each March for Destination Capitol Hill. Meet your colleagues from across the U.S., visit Stand out from the crowd. Take with members of Congress and learn about key advantage of your membership by travel legislation. 10 advertising and sponsoring with NTA. We’ll help you drive revenue by putting Connect with NTA on social media. Tap your message directly in the hands of qualified into NTA’s social media and watch your buyers. Get noticed at events and on NTA 5 professional network grow. Follow NTA Online, as well as in print and digital pubs. on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Questions? Reach out to NTA Member Solutions at [email protected] or 800.682.8886 (U.S. & Canada) or +1.859.264.6540.

46 April/May 2018 COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE NTA FAMILY KAMI RISK (TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM LEFT); BOB ROUSE (OTHERS)

Tourism Cares with Jordan—Feb. 24 to Meet the Members 48 March 3—offered travel industry delegates an array of enlightening experiences and uplifting moments. Stay tuned for a more Introducing … 50 detailed account in the June/July issue. Community News 52 New Members 54 Ad Index/NTA Events Calendar 55 AfterWords 56

NTAonline.com 47 Meet the Members PRESENTED BY

Milne Travel WEST LEBANON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

NTA contact: Emily Martel, What are a couple of your most director, Milne Educational Tours requested destinations? Office phone: +1.603.836.4699 With our large network through NTA and American Express, we have the connec- Website: milnetravel.com tions to deliver a unique, fully customized NTA member since: 2004 experience at a good value anywhere on our planet. Most of our educational tours How long have you worked in tourism? go to Europe, and [we’ve had] a grow- I started in the travel industry January ing demand from customers around the 2, 2008, so 10 years! I’ve been at Milne world who want to visit New England, Travel for over five of that, and I cur- New York City and eastern Canada. rently run our educational travel and tourism division. How does a group benefit by working with your company? What is your favorite travel destination? How did the company get started? We work to make every itinerary a I fell in love with Italy while living in Founded as a one-person, woman- unique experience. In Italy it might be Orvieto—the people, the culture, the owned business in central Vermont in an itinerary with an agritourism and art/ food, the language and its beauty— 1975, Milne Travel has grown to be one artist focus, or a lecture and conversa- and, as the photo shows, I still visit. of the largest travel businesses in New tion with local university professors. Regardless of how many times I go, Italy England. We have locations around the For school groups traveling to Boston, is always where I dream of returning to. world as part of our equity partnership perhaps it’s a tour of Fenway Park with ALTOUR. and a game, along with following the For more information, contact Martel at Freedom Trail and museum visits. [email protected].

Visit Tucson TUCSON, ARIZONA

NTA contact: Jackie Ludwig, of the year. It’s a spiritual place with director of tourism calming energy.

Office phone: +1.520.770.2147 Talk about The Best 23 Miles of Website: visittucson.org Mexican Food travel idea you’re NTA member since: 1976 promoting on your website. With our Hispanic roots and proximity What’s new and exciting in Tucson? to Mexico, Tucson has the best Mexican Tucson’s food scene is exploding and food and celebrates mom and pop so much fun right now. Tucson received local Mexican restaurants, taco trucks, the UNESCO designation as a City of Sonoran hot dogs and El Charro, the Gastronomy in December 2015. Our oldest family-run Mexican restaurant in farming techniques date back 4,000 the U.S.—delicious! years, and these techniques are still used Rafting on the Colorado River through What brought you to the area? today, along with natural food items like the Grand Canyon. tepary beans and mesquite flour. In 1982, Tucson was booming in the com- mercial real estate market. I was living in What do you like to do on the weekend? What are some of the must-see Atlanta, Georgia, and I was a Southern With 350 days of sunshine a year here, I attractions in your area? girl. My former husband asked me to enjoy golfing, gardening, hiking and out- No. 1 is the Arizona-Sonora Desert marry him and move to Tucson. My door barbeques with friends. I also love Museum. This is an outdoor exploration response: “Tucson, where is that?” Thirty- college basketball and watching our of the flora and fauna of the Sonoran six years later I am still here and love it! University of Arizona Wildcats! Go Cats! Desert. Sabino Canyon is my personal favorite. It’s a riparian area and canyon What travel experience is at the top of For more information, contact Ludwig where water flows about nine months your bucket list? at [email protected].

48 April/May 2018 Zermatt Tourism ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

NTA contact: Amadé Perrig After going through aromatic stone Office phone: +1.623.388.3351 pine and larch forests and across alpine meadows full of flowers, you arrive in Website: zermatt.ch the midst of 29 snow-covered moun- NTA member since: 2007 tains, including the Matterhorn.

What makes Zermatt such a special place? What’s your favorite season in Zermatt? The Matterhorn and the car-free village. I prefer the summer season. The sum- Zermatt has been free of cars since any- mer in Zermatt is colorful, and the one can remember. People get around weather is mostly wonderful. It’s great on foot, by horse-drawn carriage and for sightseeing and offers many sport- with electric cars. Zermatt is a mountain ing activities. What are your hobbies? village with cosmopolitan charm, clean My hobbies are in sports, especially ski- air and a unique atmosphere. Is there anything new you’re promoting ing, hiking, biking and golf. in the area? What are some must-see sites and Zermatt Bergbahnen AG is planning to Have you binged on a good TV series attractions for travelers? complete the world’s highest 3S gon- lately? The Matterhorn glacier paradise (Klein dola lift by the 2018–19 winter season. “Wheel of Fortune,” because I know Pat Matterhorn); Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the The new lift to the Klein Matterhorn and Vanna. Recently, the show featured highest hotel in the Swiss Alps; and the will be significantly quicker and more Switzerland and Zermatt for an entire Gornergrat Bahn, the highest open- comfortable, and it will increase the week and aired across the United States! air cogwheel railway in Europe, which carrying capacity to Europe’s highest takes you in 45 minutes from Zermatt cable-car station by 2,000 passengers For more information, contact Perrig at up to the 10,135-foot-high Gornergrat. per hour. [email protected].

Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

NTA contact: Michelle Thomson, CTP, who are either reliving a childhood president and CEO vacation to the area or checking off a Office phone: +1.605.355.3603 stop on a bucket list. Other top groups are international groups, and we are Website: blackhillsbadlands.com starting to get more groups with grand- NTA member since: 1980 parents touring with their grandchildren.

What makes the Badlands so bad? How long have you been in the area? (And by that we mean good.) I have lived in the Black Hills and The Badlands are an incredible, other- Badlands region most of my life. I’ve worldly place—a harsh but amazing been fortunate to travel to amaz- landscape that seems to go on and on, ing destinations in my tour and travel with colors changing depending on the career, and I’m always happy to return time of day. The Lakota people were to this amazing place. the first to call this area “bad.” They called it “Mako Sica,” which means “land What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? bad.” While the Badlands may seem four-wheeling and hiking the back roads, I enjoy experiencing the Black Hills—on bad, they are an experience I would rec- there is always something new to see. ommend for any visitor to the region. four wheels, two wheels or on foot. It’s incredible to me that after all of the Name a movie you have watched an What are the top three types of groups years I have lived here and explored embarrassing number of times. that you work with? this destination, I’ve not come any- “It’s a Wonderful Life” We work with a lot of senior groups in where close to seeing it all. Whether it the Black Hills and Badlands region. It’s is experiencing our attractions, wind- For more information, contact Thomson always fun to talk to our senior visitors, ing our scenic roads on motorcycle, or at [email protected].

Visit Clarksville From our picturesque and historic downtown to our rolling Frances Manzitto countryside, Clarksville welcomes you with open arms. Bringing +1.931.245.4345 | 800.530.2487 your group to Clarksville means a trip full of Southern hospitality, [email protected] unique attractions and shopping, great food and memories that visitclarksvilletn.com will last a lifetime. Find out more at visitclarksvilletn.com. NTAonline.com 49 Introducing … NTA’s newest members

This page does exactly what Visit The Logos the title says. These profession- Galena Country Theatre als represent organizations that GALENA, ILLINOIS TAYLORS, SOUTH CAROLINA recently joined NTA, and along DMO Tour supplier with the other newbies listed With loads of small-town character, Audiences can attend the Logos on page 54, they give you new Galena offers visitors an educational Theatre with confidence that they will business opportunities and tour through President U.S. Grant’s see an astounding professional produc- home, a historical trolley tour and tion with an uplifting message. The facil- broaden your network of indus- a haunted ghost adventure. Guests ity functions year-round, offering live try colleagues. can also reconnect with nature, dine state-of-the-art productions in Upstate above the Mississippi River, and South Carolina with a 300-seat audito- experience sensational wineries, rium and a 20-foot diameter turntable. breweries and a craft distillery. Becky Bourland Jay Allen Tour director Director of sales and bbourland@the marketing academyofarts.org +1.815.776.9200 thelogostheatre.com [email protected] visitgalena.org

“I have always loved the thrill of live- “I have 10 years of experience in the performance theater, which is why I tourism industry, and I am an avid sports chose to make a career in it. I have fan (mostly baseball and football). I two girls, ages 4 and 7, who keep me enjoy nature, craft beers and traveling.” laughing at life!”

Marketing Frankfurt Profiles encouraged Manchester Rhine-Main Region Think of your member profile NEW YORK CITY BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, on NTA Online as a digital ele- DMO GERMANY vator pitch that other members DMO Marketing Manchester is charged rely on when making business with promoting Greater Manchester One of the most diverse areas in appointments or conducting (England) on the national and inter- Germany, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main national stage to visitors, investors, region offers visitors everything that online searches. Is your profile conference organizers and students. is associated with Germany: great up to date? To find out, log in The agency is the region’s destination food and wine, half-timbered houses, marketing organization and the tour- and beautiful countryside with and click the “welcome” words ist board for Greater Manchester. enchanting rivers, historical towns, in the upper right corner. friendly people and many opportuni- Jeff Grillo ties for outdoor activities. Route development marketing manager Charlotte Jakobsen +1.212.850.0315 Project manager [email protected] +49.6201.60208.21 marketingmanchester charlotte.jakobsen@ .com tourcomm- germany.com “In my spare time, I routinely traverse frankfurt-rhein-main.de the globe, attend Nets games, cheer on my Portland Trail Blazers, seek out “I have worked for the Frankfurt comedy shows, and play with new Rhine-Main Region since 2009. I look travel and tech apps.” forward to meeting you in Milwaukee and taking you on a 15-minute journey to Germany.”

Introducing … presents NTA members who complete their online profile within four months of joining. 50 April/May 2018 Organizations are included as profiles are completed. Space constraints may delay inclusion. Shop around. Buying from or selling to any segment of the North American travel market? Then you belong at Travel Exchange. It’s here you’ll discover product from every U.S. state, all across Canada and 30+ countries worldwide—all under one roof.

“A supplier from my area sat in my booth the first day and business was booked!” —Delighted DMO Julianne Fredrick “I walked away with business for 2018 and very positive interest in 2019 and 2020.” —Satisfied Supplier Joy Tevis “These contacts become critical in the long-term development of our success.” —Blissful Buyer Ashley Landers

Registration now open at NTAonline.com/convention

NTAonline.com 51 COMMUNITY NEWS NTA members are indicated in bold text. Do you have news you’d like to share with the NTA membership? Please send it to Gabe Webb, Courier writer, at [email protected].

Vlamings named market share in quality meetings, group, services. Palma was previously the new Tourism convention and exhibition business,” DMO’s director of sales, and her new role Cares CEO said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of reflects increased responsibilities related Tourism Cares the CVB. “He is a great addition to the to meetings and conventions business. appointed Paula bureau in this leadership capacity.” “We’re extremely proud of Rhanee Vlamings as its new Simon has more than 20 years of expe- and the success she has brought to the CEO in March. Vlamings rience in tourism and hospitality. Prior to organization under her leadership,” said has a history of launching successful joining the CVB, he created the Association Mark Everton, CEO of Visit Oakland. social impact initiatives, and Tourism Meeting Buyers Collective, an organization “The outreach, training and focus that Cares Board Chairman Derek Hydon said for enhancing the buying power of asso- the sales team has provided to our the move matches Tourism Cares’ mission. ciations. He also served as vice president hotel partners has helped to build a “This transition reflects both our of sales for Destination Hotels, where he solid relationship with the hotels’ sales strong growth over the last several oversaw brand-wide sales strategies for departments. Rhanee has been able to years and our commitment to harness the company’s 40 properties. leverage her experience with hotel sales the power of change through travel,” “With development at its peak and to better promote Oakland through said Hydon. “With new leadership and a growing international reputation for trade shows, familiarization tours and enhanced capacity in our social enter- Greater Fort Lauderdale, the timing is direct client contact.” prise development, we’ll deepen the ideal to launch a determined and fresh Prior to joining Visit Oakland two years impact of our initiatives and the value approach to group sales development,” ago, Palma had been director of sales at we provide our 200-plus members, our said Simon. “I’m excited to join the the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. incredible partner network and the ben- innovators at the bureau to help lead a eficiaries of our programs.” new pathway to success.” Bardstown Tourist Vlamings is the former executive Commission hires director of G Adventures’ Planeterra new executive Foundation, and she provided senior lead- director ership to the Golden Gate National Parks The Bardstown Tourist Conservancy’s Institute at the Golden Gate. Commission hired Mike Previous CEO Mike Rea will aid in the Mangeot as its execu- transition and stay with the organiza- tive director. Mangeot began his leader- tion as its senior program advisor. ship of the Kentucky DMO in February. “Now more than ever, it’s vital that Mangeot is a native of Frankfort, travel and tourism providers integrate Larry and Lorna Hundt of Great Kentucky, and served in the Kentucky more closely with community-based Canadian Holidays receive Department of Travel and Tourism organizations and conservation initia- national honor under Governors Paul Patton and Steve tives to create opportunities for the Larry and Lorna Hundt, founders of Beshear. In this role, he oversaw stra- people and the places our industry cares tour operator company Great Canadian tegic planning, budget forecasting, and about, while working to help distribute Holidays & Coaches, were presented the creation of marketing plans for tele- tourism more sustainably,” said Vlamings. the Meritorious Service Medal by the vision, print, radio and the internet. Governor General of Canada, Her “I’m very excited to lead the tour- Greater Fort Excellency the Right Honorable Julie ism efforts for Bardstown and Nelson Lauderdale CVB Payette, at a ceremony in February. County,” said Mangeot. “I know firsthand welcomes Simon The medal was established to rec- the assets that Bardstown has to offer, Ed Simon is the new ognize exemplary Canadians, and the and my goal is to work with the distill- senior vice president of Hundts were selected for their commit- eries, local attractions and businesses to convention sales and ment to promoting Canadian unity and expand upon the success and growth that services for the Greater pride. Since 1995, their company has you have seen over the past few years.” Fort Lauderdale CVB. In this role, Simon used eye-catching graphics on its coaches “Mike brings a very strong and diverse works to grow the Broward County to promote great Canadian women, background in both tourism and eco- Convention Center’s customer base and Canadian sports achievements and other nomic development to the position of develop the DMO’s sales teams. significant parts of the country’s history. executive director,” said Bardstown Mayor “Ed’s market expertise, industry con- Dick Heaton. “Tourism is a major busi- nections and sales abilities fit perfectly Visit Oakland promotes Palma ness for us, and I am confident Mike will with our goals to aggressively promote to VP of sales help this industry grow and, at the same Greater Fort Lauderdale as a top-tier Visit Oakland announced Rhanee Palma time, enhance the visitor experience here convention destination and drive greater as its new vice president of sales and in Bardstown and Nelson County.”

52 April/May 2018 OVER 5,000 TRAILS BLAZED DAILY. Your next opportunity is a flight away. Just ask the 170 million passengers who choose to fly to one of our 327 destinations.

Based on average number of Delta flights per day in the March 2016 schedule. Includes flights operated by our Delta Connection® carriers: Compass Airlines, Endeavor Air, Inc., ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., GoJet Airlines, Shuttle America, and SkyWest; Delta Shuttle® carriers: Shuttle America and Compass Airlines. NTAonline.com 53

001082_NatlTourAssn2016_Ad_8.375x10.875_v1.indd 1 8/8/16 4:56 PM NEW MEMBERS The following list shows organizations that joined NTA recently. Companies that also joined the Faith Travel Association have an FTA logo by their name. To access complete information on each of these new members, log on to NTAonline.com and go to the member searches.

DMOs HTT Ximeijia Travel Inc. Chris Huang Fei Yang Detroit Metro Covina, CA 91724 USA Monterey Park, CA 91754 USA Convention & Visitors Bureau Kalynne Defever K K Travel Inc. TOUR SUPPLIERS Detroit, MI 48226-3240 USA Kevin Le visitdetroit.com Melville, NY 11747 USA Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport k-ktravel.com Joya Zamora Marketing Manchester Milwaukee, WI 53221 USA Jeff Grillo Nepal Vision Treks and crowneplazamke.com New York, NY 10022 USA Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. marketingmanchester.com John Heather DoubleTree by Hilton Kathmandu, 44600 Nepal Detroit–Dearborn South Carolina Department of nepalvisiontreks.com Lattice Qualls Parks, Recreation & Tourism Detroit, MI 48228 USA Duane Parrish RS Travel Development doubletree3.hilton.com Columbia, SC 29201-3756 USA Ruggero Scoma discoversouthcarolina.com Rome, 00199 Italy DoubleTree by Hilton rstravel.it Grand Junction Tourism Victoria Mandy Freese Sarah Friesen RV Tours Club Grand Junction, CO 81506-3906 USA Victoria, BC V8W 1L6 Canada Lei Han grandjunction.doubletree.com tourismvictoria.com Ontario, CA 91761 USA rvtoursclub.com DoubleTree by Hilton Visit Galena Country Times Square South Jay Allen Tour Azores Evanthia Papadimitriou Galena, IL 61036 USA Edward Demelo New York, NY 10018 USA visitgalena.org Fall River, MA 02721 USA nytimessquaresouth.doubletree.com tourazores.com TOUR OPERATORS Driftwood Shores Resort & VTour USA LLC Conference Center BC Travel Inc. Wilson Wang Tami Clark Melody Hu Las Vegas, NV 89102 USA Florence, OR 97439 USA Monterey Park, CA 91775 USA vtourusa.com driftwoodshores.com

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum Benjamin Johnson afex.com Hammondsport, NY 14840 USA glennhcurtissmuseum.org

Grand Canyon Destinations Anthony Dobbs Las Vegas, NV 89118 USA grandcanyondestinations.com

Hampton Inn Manhattan 35th Street/Empire State Building Darlene Klioris New York, NY 10001 USA manhattanempirestatebuilding. hamptoninn.com

Holiday Inn North Phoenix James McCarthy Phoenix, AZ 85029 USA ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/phoenix/ Managing currency exposure takes expertise, phxno/hoteldetail

and our team is the most trusted in the business. Infinity Transportation Management Liz Arnold Des Plaines, IL 60018 USA At AFEX, we understand the challenges clients face when sending infinitytransportation.net

and receiving payments from around the world. Our tailored solutions The Logos Theatre for international payments and travel money can help you and your Becky Bourland Taylors, SC 29687 USA clients save time, minimize risk and reduce costs. thelogostheatre.com

Call us today to learn more on: +1 888 428 2339, or visit afex.com. TRAVEL PLANNER Leisure Travel Enterprises © 2015 Associated Foreign Exchange Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Kelly Gunnels Fort Mill, SC 29708 USA Associated Foreign Exchange, Inc. (“AFEX”), located at 21045 Califa Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, is a Money ltetravel.com Transmitter licensed and regulated by several regulatory agencies including the California Department of Business Oversight and the New York Department of Financial Services. For more information, visit www.afex.com.

54 April/May 2018 AD INDEX NTA would like to thank the following Courier advertisers for their support of the association. Advertisers with a ★ are new advertisers.

A Closer Look Tours...... 43 ★Ed-Ventures, Inc...... 23 Oklahoma City acloserlooktours.com ed-ventures.com Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 13 +1.602.938.0951 +1.507.289.3332 okccvb.org +1.405.297.8913 AFEX...... 54 Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.... 39 afex.com fortsmith.org Texas de Brazil...... Inside Front Cover +1.646.231.7805 +1.479.783.8888 texasdebrazil.com +1.214.615.2184 (3235) Aon Affinity Berkely Travel...... 45 ★Lucero Olive Oil...... 25 berkely.com lucerooliveoil.com UPS...... 3 800.383.9617 +1.530.824.2190 savewithups.com/nta 800.636.2377 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association...... 21 Maid of the Mist...... Back Cover billygrahamlibrary.org maidofthemist.com Visit Clarksville...... 48–49 +1.704.401.2714 +1.716.284.8897 clarksvillecvb.com +1.931.245.4345 Campbell County Meet AC...... 7 Convention & Visitors Bureau...... 29 meetac.com visitgillettewright.com +1.609.449.7151 +1.307.686.0040 Mohegan Sun...... 5 Delta Air Lines, Inc...... 53 mohegansun.com delta.com +1.860.862.8988 +1.404.474.2501

NTA EVENTS For more information on these events, Save these dates in 2018 and beyond to connect with new partners and destinations. click the EVENTS tab on NTAonline.com.

Charleston, S.C. April 18–21, 2018 EXPLORE CHARLESTON

Tucson, Arizona March 27–30, 2019 PAUL OWENS/VISIT MILWAUKEE PAUL Milwaukee | Nov. 4–8, 2018 VISIT TUCSON

Anchorage, Alaska March 18–21, 2020 FORT WORTH CVB WORTH FORT

Fort Worth | Dec. 8–12, 2019 VISIT ANCHORAGE/JODYO.PHOTOS

NTAonline.com 55 AFTERWORDS Tales of Travel Exchange Gaining business through brownies, Broadway and grit

BY MICHAEL WEINBERG, CTP

AS THE STORY GOES, Bertha Palmer, a well-to-do Chicago socialite and wife of Potter Palmer, who built Palmer House, needed an easy- to-carry dessert to share at a planning meeting of the Board of Lady Managers of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Bertha summoned Palmer House’s chef and charged him with creating something unique. The delicious brown confection—more dense than cake, LEIGH LOFTUS topped with walnuts and an apricot As a result of our face-to-face appoint- flight back in 2009. It was a colleague glaze—was very well received. ment at Travel Exchange, Jenna has new of Globus’ Tracie Wingo, trying to get And the brownie was born. ideas for a culinary tour to Chicago. her attention. Reno was my first NTA Bertha’s brownie has remained a sig- When you have the opportunity to convention, but I recognized Tracie’s nature dessert at Palmer House Hilton, meet intriguing people who share com- name from my appointment requests and adaptations and modifications to mon interests, you create the foun- and from doing research prior to the the original brownie are still enjoyed dation for natural partnerships with show. Within 10 minutes, I summoned around the world. mutual benefits. the courage to find out if she was Tracie. Stories like this are great vehicles to Lucky for me, she was. engage the people with whom you inter- While mingling at a Travel Exchange Each year, starting at Convention 2009, act at Travel Exchange. Here are a few evening event a few years back, I had we had our usual seven-minute appoint- examples of how this has worked for me. the pleasure of meeting Michelle Hundt ments, which included her saying, “We Tupman of Great Canadian Holidays, have a series to Chicago, but it’s not the During my appointment in San Antonio who loves Broadway. We were—and right fit for your hotels.” But I kept at it with Jenna Aukerman of Omanson Tour still are—huge fans of “Wicked.” In and requested an appointment with her & Travel, I discovered that her clients three hours—after “Who’s your favorite each year. And of course, I took the time love unique culinary tours. Jenna and I Elphaba?” and “What’s your favorite to remind her of how we met and to spoke in great detail about the brownie song?”—we had quietly sung tunes from find out what was new at Globus. and its historical relevance to Chicago the show, quoted lines as answers to Then in 2016, my big break came. We and the World’s Columbian Exposition. questions and had a genuinely great won a new tour series for 2017, and we got Combining Jenna’s clients love for time. Here’s the kicker: I hadn’t met the renewal for 2018. Sometimes it takes unique culinary tours and accommoda- Michelle until that night. three years, and sometimes it takes longer. tions, we uncovered one sweet experi- From that moment on, Great But the key is that you have to invest in ence for future clients. Canadian Holidays has selected Palmer Travel Exchange year in and year out. Palmer House is the longest continu- House Hilton for their tour series in Here’s one of the coolest part about ously operating hotel in North America addition to other groups throughout the the Globus series: Their final dinner and has created more than just the year, including when the Blue Jays play includes a presentation about Palmer brownie, to be sure. So in order to give the Cubs at Wrigley Field. I’m always House Hilton by the hotel’s resident his- Jenna’s tour some depth, we also talked happy to hear from Michelle—and to torian and the executive chef. about History is Hott—a lunch, lecture sing her praises. And what’s for dessert? Bertha’s and behind-the-scenes tour of Palmer brownie, of course. House Hilton, including a final stop in the And talk about being in the right place pastry kitchen. Tour participants leave at the right time. Michael Weinberg, CTP, is senior sales with a piece of edible history: a brownie “Hey Twingo!” someone shouted in manager for Hiltons of Chicago. Reach baked from the original 1893 recipe. the gate area of my Denver to Reno him at [email protected].

56 April/May 2018 Hello my name is: DMOs and suppliers can attend Contact as sponsors. Just email [email protected] to learn more. You can relate. Our tour operators attend Contact to share ideas and solutions with bottom-line results. Will you be in on the conversation? There’s still time to sign up for NTA’s buyer retreat … but act quickly!

“Each year Contact keeps getting “I get fresh perspectives on current and better and better.” future issues our company will be facing.” Paul Nakamoto, Aquarium of the Bay Jim Warren, CTP, Anderson Vacations “Convention is where you meet the people. Contact is where you make the relationships.” Agustin Caparros, A Closer Look Tours

“You never know what topic might come “I come back to the office refreshed and up for discussion or collaboration.” flowing with new ideas.” Suzanne Slavitter, CTP Stephanie Dilling, Wells Gray Tours

Visit NTAonline.com/contact to register today! 87583_Maid_2017PrintAdResize / Statue / trim: 8.375”x10.875” / live: 7”x10” / bleed: 8.625”x11.125 / NTA Courier

AMERICA’S MOST MONUMENTAL EXPERIENCE SINCE 1846

Boats Depart from Niagara Falls, USA MaidoftheMist.com 716.284.8897

87583_Maid_2017PrintAdResize_Statue_NTAC.indd 1 4/11/17 3:26 PM